The development of studies that allow generating the information in process such as the “territorial ordering” of a Hydrographic Basin, Region and / or Municipality, is the starting point to establish the technical criteria that will guide the development and management of natural resources.
The Land Use Capacity Study (ECUT) should be conceived as a decision-making tool, considering the data provided as proposals that reduce the overuse of the soil resource and thereby stabilize the management of natural resources. The ECUT allows the development of actions to government institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), national and international programs and projects to guide the proper management of land resources.
manual-2-manual-for-the-development-of-studies-of-capacity-of-use-of-the-land-ecut-1
Land is a limited and non-renewable resource and the growth of the human population determines the existence of conflicts regarding its use. There is an urgent need to harmonize the various types of land with the most rational use possible, in order to optimize sustainable production and satisfy diverse needs of society, while preserving fragile ecosystems and genetic inheritance (FAO 1994).
This harmonization of land types with types of uses is possible with the planning of the use, starting from the systematic evaluation of the potential of the land and the water, the alternatives of its use, and the economic and social conditions that guide the selection. and adoption of the best options (FAO 1985, 1994). An important stage in land use planning is determining the suitability of the land.
A first approach to an evaluation of land suitability is the determination of its use capacity in biophysical terms, based on a classification system. Classifications today differ from evaluations in their relatively stable nature and in their purpose of sorting by class or category; on the other hand, evaluations assign and calculate values to the land within a connotation of physical and economic aptitude (Celada 1993; Ritchers 1995). The limitation of evaluations is the fact that they require information systems regarding land and / or types of use.
This Manual presents the basic proposal for the development of Land Use Capacity Studies for the Dominican Republic, being a first approach for the development of the Central Cordillera, largely taken from the Method developed by the National Forest Institute (INAB) of the Republic of Guatemala, having more than eight years of use, having proven useful to guide towards the desirable use of the land. The Manual should be considered as a contribution of KfW-GITEC, to the future process of extrapolation of Territorial Planning to other Hydrographic Basins or Municipalities.
2.Objectives of the document
2.1 General objective
- Contribute to the adoption and dissemination at the national level of a land classification method and procedure based on its capacity for use, which is relatively easy for technicians to use and has applicability to the conditions of the Dominican Republic.
2.2 Specific objectives
- Propose a useful conceptual basis in land and soil studies, particularly in determining land use capacity. Establish a uniform technical procedure for classifying land by use capacity. Have an instrument that can be useful, mainly in spatial planning tasks in the territory of agricultural and forestry producers.
3.Description of the methodology
Based on reviews of these systems and with the participation of a group of national experts in land use planning, after a series of workshops, a methodology was adopted that combines some principles, concepts and procedures of the systems or schemes of the United States Department of Agriculture –USDA-, TC Sheng and its modifications, Tropical Scientific Center of Costa Rica - CCT -
After testing the methodology, for a period of time greater than one year, a seminar-workshop was organized, bringing together the technicians who participated in the initial formulation of the methodology, as well as a series of professionals who had had the experience of implementing the land classification instrument; Those attending this event had the opportunity to express their opinions regarding the applicability of this methodology, as well as the main obstacles that were presented to them when they used it. Participants in this event are cited in Annex.
3.1 The proposed methodological scheme
Part of the following conceptual elements:
- The Dominican Republic is a country that despite having a relatively small territorial extension, has a great diversity of biophysical conditions. All the lands of the country are feasible for classification, with the exception of the areas that have been subject to urbanization in the different human settlements. It is considered a first level represented by the natural region, which is defined by limits that include geological, climatic, edaphological and hydrographic (physiographic) criteria. Ranges in the levels of the limiting factors are differentiated, according to the natural region in which divided the country. The categories of use capacity present an ordering from highest to lowest intensity of use possible. As factors that limit the use of land,Those that directly affect forest uses in terms of their growth, management and conservation have been considered; easy to measure or estimate and low cost.
3.2 Methodological framework
3.2.1 Factors that determine the land use capacity
Among the factors that are considered as determinants are the effective depth of the soil and the slope of the terrain, both vary in their ranges within the regions in which the country was divided. Additionally, stonyness (superficial and internal) and surface drainage are considered as factors that temporarily or permanently can modify the capacity of land use. These four factors were considered within the scheme adopted by virtue of which, in the opinion of experts, they are the ones that mainly define the physical fitness for the growth, management and conservation of a land unit when it is used for specific purposes such as nature uses. forestry and agroforestry (Rodas 1996).
3.2.2 Description of the variables and how to estimate them
As already mentioned, the adopted methodology uses only physical variables, slope, effective soil depth, stonyness and drainage, which are described as follows:
- Slope: Refers to the degree of inclination of the land (land units) expressed as a percentage. The slope ranges are variable within each of the natural regions that have been defined in this methodology. At the cabinet level, it is estimated by means of cartographic techniques using level curve maps. In the case of relatively small extensions or in very complex areas such as karst, the slope should also be estimated with cartographic techniques as a guide, but they should be measured in the field using topographic procedures: leveling with a hand level or rustic devices, among others., unless there are topographic surveys. It should not be forgotten that what will determine the classification in a cartographic unit is the maximum slope,that is, the greatest inclination that the unit presents, expressed as a percentage.Effective depth of the soil: Refers to the maximum depth of the soil susceptible to being penetrated by root systems of plants, native or cultivated, within the entire range of agricultural uses and possible forestry. R horizons or layers hardened naturally or by tillage are not considered part of the effective depth. The depth layers are considered as hardened layers whose hardness does not allow scratching (in the dry state), with a copper coin. In practical form, the majority of “R” layers of the soil or the partially altered horizons that do not allow the penetration of the roots, are those that determine the effective depth within the soil. Effective depth,It is also limited by water tables near the soil surface. Rockiness: Refers to the presence of larger fractions than gravels (0.045 meters in diameter) on the soil surface and within the soil profile. It includes rocky outcrops, either from source materials or transported as alluvial materials. The criteria to define this factor as limiting or not are the following:
Non-limiting surface stonyness:
- Free or slightly stony: with no or very few small rocks scattered on the ground (less than 5% of the surface) Moderately stony: with few rocks distributed on the surface (between 5% and 20%)
Limiting surface stonyness:
3.Stony: rocks distributed over the area or in groups covering from 21% to 50%.
4.Very stony: rocks of all sizes covering 50 to 90% of the surface.
5.Extremely stony: rocks of all sizes distributed everywhere (90% to 100%).
Non-limiting internal stonyness: When rocks, gravels or rock fragments are found in an amount of 35% or less, by volume in the soil profile.
Limiting internal stonyness: It will be limiting when within the soil profile there are gravel or rock fragments in more than 35% by volume.
For classification purposes, it is considered limiting if it falls into one of these categories, superficial, internal, or both.
d.Drainage: Refers to the ease with which water infiltrates and / or percolates inside the soil profile. Its qualification is done through drainage indicators such as: direct presence of water layers on the ground surface, reduction processes within the soil profile (grayish mottling), textural class, presence of hardened layers.
Non-limiting:
1.excessive: porous soils such as sands or steep slopes that allow immediate water runoff.
2.good: soils whose physical structure or moderate slope allow water to drain in a few hours.
3.perfect: soils with a high percentage of clay or water tables and light slopes that do not allow runoff in one day.
Limiting:
Poor: Soils with a high percentage of clay, water tables near the soil surface and smooth or flat slopes that prevent runoff for several days.
5.Null or Blind: Soils with groundwater tables at or above ground for periods of several weeks to months. The floor color is generally gray
3.2.3 Use capacity categories
The categories of use capacity that are used in the methodology are ordered in decreasing order of the intensity of bearable use without jeopardizing the physical stability of the soil, are presented below.
Soil fertility criteria are not included, nor aspects related to production (access, markets and costs), so they are indicative categories of greater uses in terms of the protection they offer to the upper layers of the soil. In this context, the categories are as follows:
Agriculture without limitations (A):
Areas suitable for agricultural crops without major limitations of slope, depth, stonyness or drainage. They allow intensive or extensive monoculture or associated agricultural crops and do not require, or demand very little, intensive soil conservation practices. They can be mechanized.
Agriculture with improvements (Am):
Areas that present moderate use limitations regarding slope, depth, stonyness and / or drainage. For its cultivation, soil conservation and management practices are required, as well as relatively intense agronomic measures and according to the type of cultivation established.
Agroforestry with annual crops (Aa):
Areas with limitations of slope and / or effective soil depth, where the sowing of agricultural crops associated with trees and / or with soil conservation works and agricultural practices or techniques of cultivation is allowed.
Silvopastoral systems (Ss):
Areas with slope and / or depth limitations, internal drainage that have permanent or transitory stony and / or drainage limitations. They allow the development of natural or cultivated pastures and / or associated with tree species.
Agroforestry with permanent crops (Ap):
Areas with limitations of slope and depth, suitable for the establishment of permanent cultivation systems associated with trees (isolated, in blocks or plantations, either fruit species and others for the purpose of production of wood and other forest products).
Forest land for production (F):
Areas with limitations for agricultural uses; of slope or stonyness, with preferential aptitude to carry out a sustainable forest management, both of the native forest and of plantations with exploitation purposes, without this meaning the deterioration of other natural resources. The replacement of the forest by other systems would lead to the productive degradation of the soil.
Protected forest land (Fp):
Areas with severe limitations in any of the limiting or modifying factors; appropriate for forestry activities of exclusive environmental protection or conservation. They are marginal lands for intensive agricultural or livestock use. They aim to preserve the natural environment, conserve biodiversity, as well as water sources. These areas allow scientific research and ecotourism use in certain sites enabled for such purposes, without this negatively affecting the ecosystem or ecosystems present in them. Also included are areas subject to frequent flooding, mangroves and other fragile ecosystems. Mangrove covered areas are subject to special regulatory regulations that determine their use or protection.
This category also includes the areas called gallery forests, which are areas located on the banks of rivers, streams or ravines and in water sources. They have as a function, to retain sediments that come from the high parts, the protection of the channels, mirrors of water and capture of the rain water, through the aerial part of the existing vegetation. Gallery forests can be delimited with a strip of 15 to 30 meters wide of vegetation cover from the margins of rivers, streams, ravines and water sources, along them.
Based on the principle on which this methodology is based, a unit of land classified within an intensive use category does not exclude the fact that it can be used for another less intensive category, thus, a unit of land classified for agricultural uses intensive can perfectly be used for agroforestry system arrangements or even for productive forest uses. The opposite is not considered technically possible, that is, a classified unit with forest use capacity, it does not support more intensive uses, such as agriculture or livestock without putting the stability of the soil resource at risk, mainly in our country where this resource is highly vulnerable to erosive processes and general deterioration of the terrain.
For the purposes of the application of the forestry law, in terms of the forestry incentive program, forestry land is considered to be classified in the categories Forest for Production (F), Forest for Protection (Fp) and Agroforestry with permanent crops (Ap), understanding that in the case of the latter, it will be subject to incentives as long as it is used for purely forest, productive or protective uses; At no time will agroforestry arrangements be encouraged. This decision is institutional in nature, at no time is it defined by the classification method used.
3.2.4 Matrices decision and assignment of categories of us or
By combining the levels of soil depth and slope factors, usability categories are assigned. The ranges of levels vary according to the natural region into which the country was divided, as presented in Tables 1 to 7.
The ranges considered for each of the groups of slopes, can be considered as general, since in some region different values can be found, if this occurs, it must be taken as inclusions within the established ranges.
It is important to note that in the matrices, when considering more than one possible use category, priority should be given to the category with the lowest intensity of use, according to the trend of the limiting factor being analyzed.
3.2.5 Modification of land use capacity by modifying factors
Table 8 shows the modification of the capacity of use according to the level in which the modifying factors, stonyness and drainage are presented.
SPECIAL CASES: In categories Ap and F, the presence of drainage limitations is considered unlikely; if the capacity occurs, it is modified towards Fp.
The Ss category by definition already has stony and / or drainage limitations, so its degree of manifestation determines that it remains as Ss or is modified towards F or Fp.
4.General procedure for conducting ECUT
The general procedure to follow for the application of the land classification system is developed according to the following phases:
4.1 First Cabinet Phase
4.1.1 Collection and analysis of biophysical information about the area
It is done in order to have a general knowledge of the area. It is interesting to know: geographical location, political location, access, extension, relevant information on climate and its main variables such as: rainfall, temperature, winds and other characteristics of the area such as life zones, land forms and soil origin, existing classifications on the site.
4.1.2 Preparation of the map of physiographic units
By means of cartographic or aerial photographic interpretation techniques, mapping units are defined and delimited, which form the basis of sampling in the field phase. The definition of these units will be based on a physiographic interpretation of the lands, that is, on an analysis of the landscape. The analysis by which the mapping units are defined, takes into account the components of geology, climate, topography, soil, hydrography. For this activity, the scale at which the work should be carried out must be taken into account.
The scale of the survey in land use capacity studies depends, among other things, on the degree of detail required (specific objectives of the study), the scale of the cartographic and aerial photographic material and the resources available. To standardize criteria, Table 9 proposes a classification of the possible scales to use.
For areas smaller than 15 hectares, the separation of land units can be done at the field level by walking and visual observations and / or aided by cartographic sheets or enlarged photographs; In other words, the analysis of the landscape through cartographic interpretation and photo identification techniques will be an important aid.
The most convenient scale for studies of land use capacity, with this methodology is 1 / 50,000, otherwise, multiples such as 1 / 25,000 or 1 / 100,000 can be used. This is due to the nature of the cartographic base of the country.
When survey levels are mentioned, reference is made to the intensity of sampling or observations and measurement of the variables used by the methodology. In this sense, when the objective of the study requires greater precision, we increase the intensity of the sampling (detailed study) and, when the study requires only a general level, the number of observations in the field decreases.
4.1.3 Preparation of the slope map
Units can be classified by slope on this map based on the cartographic map (contour lines). It is elaborated manually by visual separation and the use of templates or automated by GIS procedures based on cartographic techniques. A detailed description of the elaboration technique of this map can be found in the works of Ferreiro 1984, Sheng 1990, Eastman 1992, Nitler 1993, Velázquez 1994, and others.
For areas with slopes less than 10%, on surfaces less than 15 ha, or in very complex areas such as the karst regions, it is not convenient to use a contour map to create a slope map, so the slopes must be set up directly in the field, with the available equipment.
4.1.4 Land use map (optional)
In this phase it is recommended to prepare a preliminary map of land use, in terms of coverage. The legend to be used must be in accordance with the major use categories established by the specialized agencies on the subject.
It is suggested at least to include the following categories: Urban centers or towns, Lands with crops (annual or permanent), Lands with pastures (natural or cultivated), Lands with forest (pure or mixed, coniferous or broadleaf).
4.2 Field phase
4.2.1 Verification of mapping unit limits
This activity is done by walking, visual observations and sweeping. The different land units are homogenized based on physiographic criteria, the main base of which is relief. In the case of studies whose classification of the landscape is required to be done at the level of landscape elements; the separation of the same must be done with this base. The minimum equipment necessary for field work can be seen in Annex 6.
4.2.2 Determination of soil depths and modifying factors
On the map of land units (physiographic units) or on field tickets, the effective depths of the soils of each cartographic unit previously delimited in the cabinet and verified in the field are noted. Additionally, in each unit annotations are made of the level at which modifying factors are manifested if present.
The effective depth of soils can be measured in Pedones or representative profiles, this can be by opening pits or by using road cuts, failing that, it can be done with drilling and, in the case of modifying factors, they are measured according to the indicator adopted for each factor. Depending on the manifestation of the modifying factors, limiting areas can be separated on the map of physiographic units to be later used in the allocation of categories of use capacity.
4.2.3 Checking the slope map
It consists of carrying out checks through field measurements of the maximum slopes in the units previously defined in the cabinet, with the purpose of corroborating and making the corresponding adjustments. This can be done within the readings that are done on the map of land units. It is recommended that the slopes be measured with a clinometer or other similar equipment.
In the case of very small areas or those with a very gentle slope, the slope map that has been prepared with the cartographic map will only be an auxiliary.
4.2.4 Checking the coverage and land use map
Based on what is mentioned in subsection 5.1.4, the verification and / or modification of the units of coverage and land use predominant in each of the units, preliminarily defined in the first phase of the cabinet.
4.3 Second Cabinet Phase
4.3.1 Integration of the land unit map
Based on main factors of terrain slope and soil depth and modifying factors, stonyness and drainage; considered by the method developed in this document, the procedure for integrating the map of land units follows the following sequence:
The base map of initially physiographic units will now be cartographic and with the information on the soil depth limiting factor, it is converted into a thematic map on soil depths. This implies that some units have to join or unbundle in others. Subsequently, this map is superimposed on the slope map, except for small or complex areas such as the karst regions, where the slope map is only an auxiliary; failing that, the procedure will be to designate the maximum slope of each land unit (physiographic unit). In this process, new units defined by the limits of both maps should be separated. Each new unit is characterized by a slope range and depth class, depending on the region where the study site is located.This resulting map will be called, for the purposes of the system adopted by PROCARYN, a map of land units.
4.3.2 Preparation of the use capacity map
Each land unit identified in the map resulting from the previous process, based on the levels adopted by each limiting factor (Tables 1 to 7), is assigned a category of use capacity. Subsequently, this category should be analyzed in light of the stony and drainage modifying factors in order to determine the category of ultimate use capacity. If, in the field phase, limitation zones were separated by these modifying factors, it would be possible to make the super positions that are necessary to separate other ground units. The resulting product is the Land Use Capacity Map.
Finally, the normal technical procedures for emptying (photogrammetric rectification, reduction or enlargement, labeling, others) of the information generated to the base map according to the publication scale required by the level of the survey are followed. The extensions of each capacity unit are quantified and the other elements that accompany a thematic map such as the present one are defined (legend, north orientation, scale, name of the thematic map, others).
4.3.3 Preparation of study report
With this information, the final document containing the study of land use capacity is prepared. The format of it must contain at least:
- Introduction (includes justification for the study and general location of the study area) Objectives (related to the purposes of the study: forest registration, forest incentives, change of use, forest management, concession, others). Methodology (methodological outline that must indicate procedures or cite the most important materials that were used, such as the kind of photographs (numbers, flight line, roll), maps, their scales, etc.) Results: categories of existing use capacity, land use, surface by category, general observations on the study area or on the methodology used, map of capacity of use, conclusions and / or management recommendations, especially for forest categories, professional references,technician or professionals who participated in the preparation of the study (Curricular synthesis) annexes (maps of slopes, depths, land use, tables, others).
For the purposes of applying forest regulations, PROCARYN will make a study presentation format available to interested parties.
4.4 Considerations regarding the use of cartographic and aerial photographic techniques depending on the study surface.
It is worth mentioning that the stages described above are necessary regardless of the extent of the unit to be classified; however, there may be variations in the auxiliary techniques for collecting and interpreting the information that the classification methodology requires. In this sense, for units smaller than 90 hectares, the indicated variants may occur
Countryside
- Separate units in the field, mainly based on geology, slope or land forms. In each unit take values of the factors considered: slope, soil depth, stonyness and drainage. Apply classification table according to the natural region in that the area is located.
Second phase of cabinet
- If the case warrants it, according to the variability of the terrain, prepare a map of slopes and soil depth, and superimpose them to determine the capacity of use. Prepare a map of the capacity of land use Fill out the form (certification)
Cabinet
- Collect general information of the area Separate units aided by cartographic techniques Prepare a slope map Prepare a land use map (optional)
15-90
"B"
Countryside
- Check units in the field Check slopes Take depth, stonyness and drainage data for each unit.
Second phase of cabinet
- Make a depth and slope map Apply a modifying factor table Make a usability map Fill out a form
> 90
"C"
Cabinet
- Collect general information of the areaSeparate units assisted by cartographic techniques and mapping by physiography.Elaborate map of slopesElaborate map of land use (optional).
Countryside
- Same as case "B"
Second phase of cabinet
Same as case "B"
5. Lessons learned
- The methodology for classifying land by capacity for use, adopted by PROCARYN, is based on geological, climatic, topographic and edaphic criteria. The adaptations include the consideration of a first level represented by the natural region, the initial separation of land units by physiographic analysis, the definition of different ranges of the levels of each factor according to the natural region, the inclusion of all land in the country and of categories of capacity of use for agroforestry systems. This methodology may be subject to changes or updates according to particular characteristics or conditions found in its application, and may in the future evolve into a site productivity classification system, that is to say,a system of classification by site class or site quality. Obviously, studies on this topic are required for different conditions in the country and by forest species. The proposed scheme should not be considered as a classification for profit, but rather as a biophysical criterion to prevent the use capacity of a land unit. is exceeded and consequently causes deterioration of the productive base, mainly due to the vulnerability of our soils to the erosive process. In other words, this classification method, like most of its kind, is not based on the precise characteristics that determine a particular agricultural or forestry production. The proposed methodology, like the systems that gave rise to it,considers that the capacity classes are homogeneous in terms of their limitations for a given use and not in terms of the types of soil, that is, each unit of capacity of use can include several types of soil.Under the principle on which it is based This methodology, a unit of land classified within an intensive use category does not exclude the fact that it can be used for another less intensive category, thus, a unit of land classified for intensive agricultural uses can perfectly be used for agroforestry system arrangements. or even for productive forest uses. The opposite is not considered technically possible, that is, a classified unit with forest use capacity, does not support more intensive uses,such as agricultural or livestock without risking the stability of the soil resource.This land classification scheme is recommended to be used preferably for the purposes of land use management in accordance with existing forest legislation, that is, in the forest vocation land certification, forest vocation land or forest registration, application of forest incentives and other related. For the purposes of forest productivity, local or regional studies of site index and site class or quality should be used as far as possible. For the purposes of evaluating land for forestry or agricultural purposes,This classification scheme should be used in a preliminary way of homogenization of mapping units to which their physical and / or economic aptitude would be determined, within the particular biophysical and socioeconomic context. It is recommended to send the PROCARYN any suggestion, opinion, problem, technical or other incongruity that results from the application of this land use capacity classification methodology in order to substantiate changes or improvements to it. Any additional information on land characteristics and / or conditions thereof that contribute to a better orientation of production for forestry purposes should be added to the study of capacity of use, based on the described methodology.It is recommended to send to the PROCARYN any suggestion, opinion, problem, technical or other inconsistency that results from the application of this land use capacity classification methodology in order to substantiate changes or improvements to it. Any additional information on land characteristics and / or land conditions that contribute to a better orientation of production for forestry purposes should be added to the use capacity study, based on the described methodology.It is recommended to send to the PROCARYN any suggestion, opinion, problem, technical or other inconsistency that results from the application of this land use capacity classification methodology in order to substantiate changes or improvements to it. Any additional information on land characteristics and / or land conditions that contribute to a better orientation of production for forestry purposes should be added to the use capacity study, based on the described methodology.Any additional information on land characteristics and / or land conditions that contribute to a better orientation of production for forestry purposes should be added to the study of capacity of use, based on the described methodology.Any additional information on land characteristics and / or land conditions that contribute to a better orientation of production for forestry purposes should be added to the study of capacity of use, based on the described methodology.
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7.Annexes
Annex 1: Technical glossary
- LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS: Set of concepts, methods and techniques that allow the interpretation of images (photos, maps, satellite images, etc.) of the Earth's surface, based on the physiography-soil relationship. Soils are assumed to be profiles as well as landscapes (Villota sf.).
- LAND USE CAPACITY: determination in physical terms of the support that a land unit has to be used for certain uses or covers and / or treatments. It is generally based on the principle of the maximum intensity of bearable use without causing physical deterioration of the soil (Klingebield and Montgomery 1961). LAND CLASSIFICATION BY CAPACITY OF USE: According to Klingebiel and Montgomery (1961) it is a grouping of interpretations that They do this primarily for agricultural purposes and it begins with the distinction of mapping units. It allows some generalizations to be made regarding the potentialities of the soil, limitations of use and management problems. It refers only to a maximum level of application of the soil resource, without it deteriorating, with a rate greater than the rate of its formation. In this context,Soil deterioration mainly refers to the dragging and transporting down the slope of soil particles by the action of precipitated water. LAND EVALUATION: Ritchers (1995) points out that it is the activity that describes and interprets basic aspects of climate, vegetation, soils and other biophysical and socio-economic aspects to identify probable land uses and compare them with the estimated yield of their sustainable application, that is, their desired application. PHYSIOGRAPHIC LEGEND: it is a hierarchy of the general to the particular of the landscape of a Particular zone as a product of a landscape analysis based on physiographic (relief, water, climate) and / or geomorphological criteria (land forms, materials, age) (Villota sf.) OBJECTIVES OF AN EVALUATION OF THE LAND AND ITS USE:The objectives of a land evaluation can be: neutral or positive valuation of land, in the broad sense of the cadastre (Marín 1971, cited by Ritchers 1995) or in the specific sense of the environmental value for the production of certain crops. Another objective is the protection and recovery of fragile lands, as the first orientation towards an action in this regard (Sheng 1986; Michaelsen 1977; Tosi 1981; CCT 1985; Tables 1986, cited by Ritchers 1995) and finally another objective may be the implementation of uses Desired (FAO 1976, 1985) LANDSCAPE: Three-dimensional portion of the Earth's surface, resulting from the same geogenesis, which can be described in terms of similar climatic, morphological, parental and age characteristics, within which a high pedological homogeneity,as well as a vegetation cover or a similar land use (Villota sf). EFFECTIVE DEPTH OF THE SOIL: It is that depth that the roots of the plants can easily penetrate to obtain water and nutrients. It is the depth to any layer in the soil profile that differs from the surface material in chemical and physical properties, which in one way or another can retard root development and penetration. It is measured based on the existence of a body that mechanically prevents or limits the radical development, rock class, rubble or compacted and / or hardened strata (SEGEPLAN / PNUD 1991). OVER-USE OF THE EARTH: use of a land unit at an intensity greater than that physically supported (Komives et al. 1985, Ritchers 1995). EARTH SUB-USE:use of a land unit at a lower intensity than that physically capable of supporting (Komives et al. 1985, Ritchers 1995). SOIL: Natural system developed from a mixture of minerals and organic remains under the influence of climate and biological environment; It differs in horizons and supplies, in part, the nutrients and support that plants need, by containing appropriate amounts of air and water (Fassbender, 1982). EARTH: all aspects of the natural environment of a part of the surface of the land, insofar as they exert a significant influence on its potential for human use. Includes geology, physiography, soils, climate, vegetation (FAO 1976, 1985, 1991). MAPPING UNIT:it is a part of the Earth's surface with a defined size based on the level and scale of the survey and the classification criteria of the land. There are pure units, associations, consociations, complexes (Klingebiel and Montgomery 1961; SEGEPLAN et al 1994). EARTH UNIT: According to FAO (1976, 1985, 1995), it is a surface of the earth, generally mapped, with specific characteristics, which is used as the basis for an evaluation. FAO indicates that these units should approach the “management units” with uniform responses to the relevant management systems. CORRECT USE: use that indicates that there is no discrepancy between the land use capacity and the current use is giving (Komives et al. 1985, Ritchers 1995). USE OF LAND: Description of land use forms.It can be expressed at a general level in terms of vegetation cover. At a more specific level, we talk about the type of land use, which consists of a series of technical specifications within a physical, economic and social context (FAO 1985, 1991). POTENTIAL USE: virtually possible use based on the biophysical capacity of use, and the socioeconomic circumstances surrounding a land unit. Indicates the level up to which a use can be made according to the supposed capacity of the soil, under current and local circumstances. In this context, potential use is less intensive or of equal intensity than capacity use, but never more intensive (Ritchers 1995).which consists of a series of technical specifications within a physical, economic and social context (FAO 1985, 1991). POTENTIAL USE: virtually possible use based on the biophysical capacity of use, and the socioeconomic circumstances surrounding a unit of Earth. Indicates the level up to which a use can be made according to the supposed capacity of the soil, under current and local circumstances. In this context, potential use is less intensive or of equal intensity than capacity use, but never more intensive (Ritchers 1995).which consists of a series of technical specifications within a physical, economic and social context (FAO 1985, 1991). POTENTIAL USE: virtually possible use based on the biophysical capacity of use, and the socioeconomic circumstances surrounding a unit of Earth. Indicates the level up to which a use can be made according to the supposed capacity of the soil, under current and local circumstances. In this context, potential use is less intensive or of equal intensity than capacity use, but never more intensive (Ritchers 1995).Indicates the level up to which a use can be made according to the supposed capacity of the soil, under current and local circumstances. In this context, potential use is less intensive or of equal intensity than capacity use, but never more intensive (Ritchers 1995).Indicates the level up to which a use can be made according to the supposed capacity of the soil, under current and local circumstances. In this context, potential use is less intensive or of equal intensity than capacity use, but never more intensive (Ritchers 1995).
