Biotech Studies
2015, Vol 24, Num, 1 (Pages: 056-064)
Determination of Potential Grapevine (Vitis spp.) Cultivation Areas of Turkey Based on Topographic and Climatic Factors by Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Techniques
2 Manisa Bağcılık Araştırma Enstitüsü, Manisa
3 Ankara Üniversitesi, Ziraat Fakültesi Tarla Bitkileri Bölümü, Ankara
4 Ankara Üniversitesi, Ziraat Fakültesi, Tarımsal Yapılar ve Sulama Bölümü, Ankara - Turkey is homeland of the grapevine (Vitis spp.), one of the most important agricultural products in the World. Our country, having the favorable climatic conditions for viticulture, has an important role among the viticulture farming countries of the World. The objective of this study is to determine potential growing areas of grape in Turkey by using Geographic Information Systems techniques based on topographic and climatic factors. It is important to efficiently use of our limited arable lands from the agricultural point of view. GIS tools provides an ability to process spatial data for the purpose of land use planning. As a result of the study, temperature, altitude, sunshine duration, vegetation period, total annual precipitation were found significant parameters for viticulture. Surface maps of these parameters were obtained by interpolation techniques and threshold values were determined for ecological requirements of viticulture. Potential vineyard areas map of Turkey with two classes was determined as a result of this study. According to suitability map obtained with this study; 57.86% of Turkey is suitable for grape growing, 40.46% is not appropriate and 1.68% of the area is water surfaces. It is expected that this kind of studies will be helpfull for decision makers for farmer subsidies. Keywords : Crop suitability, grapes (Vitis spp.), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), interpolation