Land capability classification for planning land uses in the Geleda watershed, Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia

This study was carried out to undertake land capability classification (LCC) for planning land uses in the Geleda watershed of the Blue Nile basin in Ethiopia. Such type of study benefit the environment, increase agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods of the people. Slope, soil texture, soil depth, drainage, stoniness and extent of erosion factors were considered in developing LCC. The result indicates that six capability classes (I–VI) are present in the study watershed. Capability classes ranging from I to IV (91.5%) are suitable for agriculture while class V and VI (8.5%) are none arable lands. Though cultivation is highly recommended in classes between I and IV, the extension of cultivated land in class V and VI in some areas of the study watershed was observed. On the other hand, forest, shrub land, grassland and built-up areas are found from Class I to Class IV, which are computing the space for cultivation. In general, use of the land as of its capability is lacking in many areas of the watershed study. Hence, new land use prioritization based on the capability of the land in those areas is very important.