Plot Size and Shape in Field Crops Cultivation in Türkiye

Abstract

The size and shape of the agricultural parcel are important factors in improving the agricultural structure. These factors positively affect farmers, especially in matters such as the use of agricultural tools and machines in field crop cultivation, time saving and good soil cultivation. In this context, the size and aspect ratio of the existing parcels are directly linked to the income to be obtained from the unit area. Land consolidation projects are ongoing in approximately 30% of the total agricultural area in Türkiye. In addition, the state's efforts to give agricultural land to landless farmers continue in Türkiye. Considering our current agricultural production capacity, planning the new parcels to be created during these studies will significantly contribute to our field crop production. For this purpose, the average parcel size was determined by analysing the land distribution norm values of 4321 settlement units within the scope of the Agricultural Reform Law No. 3083 on Land Arrangement in Irrigation Areas, published in 1984, and the size of 1868 sufficient income lands within the scope of the Soil Conservation and Land Use Law No. 5403, published in 2014. As a result of this study, it was concluded that, on average, an agricultural parcel of 64 decares in irrigated lands and 157 decares in dry agricultural lands is the most suitable size for growing field crops. Likewise, it was concluded that the parcels were rectangular in shape and the aspect ratio was close to 1:2.