An Integrated Agroforestal Suitability Model Using a GIS-Based Multicriteria Analysis Method: A Case Study of Portugal

Abstract

It is generally agreed that the choice of the mostsuitable uses based in soil and climatic factors, complemented withsocio-economic criteria, promotes sustainable use of rural land. There are,however, different methodologies for defining the soil suitability toagroforestal systems or natural and seminatural ecosystems, includingagricultural uses, forest plantations, agro-forestry areas and priority areasfor nature conservation. Many of these methods rely on decision support systemsbased on multicriteria spatial analysis. In this study we intended to determinethe different levels of suitability for agro-forestry use in a subregionlocated in the center of Portugal, near the border with Spain. To the effect weused a set of soil and topographic variables. The legal constraints and landcover were also included. The suitability evaluation was performed using the AnalyticHierarchy Process (AHP). A spatial analysis was also performed in order toconfront the land use matrix with the soil potentiality. This analysis allowsto identify areas where the use and management it is in accordance with theirsuitability, as well as areas where the use must be subject to a conversion orat least to a change of management mode.