A study on the locational conditions and landscape characteristics of the Fumoto settlements through statistical analysis of the natural environment and agricultural developments of historic Satsuma

This study aims to clarify the locational conditions and landscape characteristics of the Fumoto settlements in feudal Satsuma. Each watershed in the area was analyzed according to its natural topography, geology, and soil characteristics. This was correlated with the presence of historical agricultural developments to determine tendency. Through this analysis we determined the locational conditions and landscape characteristics common to the Fumoto settlements. The natural environment of the watershed areas was classified into eight types (A to H), with the Fumoto settlements being located in four types. Most historic agricultural developments occurred in type H. We found that natural environments and agricultural practices had an impact on locational conditions and landscape characteristics.