Using GIS for Land Capability Classification and Conservation Farming Management

Improper land use is a serious problem in many upland watersheds in developing countries due to population pressures and lack of planning. Using watershed slopes without the application of land capability classifications and soil conservation planning causes difficulty to the watershed inhabitants as well as the government — the people have no guide to the proper use of their land and the government has no basis to protect the land from misuse. Indeed, the criteria for land capability classifications for slopelands are almost universally lacking, not to mention the infrequent implementation of the classifications themselves.