Assessment of wood farming potential with the species Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) in Khuzestan province using GIS and ANP

Document Type : Complete scientific research article

Authors

1 Assistant Prof., Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Ahvaz, Iran

2 Research Expert, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Ahvaz, Iran.

3 Assistant Prof., Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Ahvaz, Iran.

4 Associate Prof. Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Ahvaz, Iran.

5 Expert of the General Directorate of Natural Resources and Watershed Management of Khuzestan province, Ahvaz, Iran.

Abstract

Background and Objective
Given the increasing global demand for wood resources and the challenges arising from deforestation, identifying species that are compatible with dry and semi-dry conditions, such as Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.), and determining suitable cultivation areas for it is presented as a key strategy in the sustainable development of natural resources. The Shisham species, with its drought resistance, soil salinity tolerance, and high wood quality, is considered an ideal option for dry and semi-dry regions like Khuzestan province. This study utilizes a combination of GIS and ANP to assess the potential of Shisham wood farming in Khuzestan province, taking into account ecological, climatic, and resource accessibility criteria, and aims to provide an accurate model for reducing dependence on timber imports, preserving natural forests, and strengthening a resilient economy.

Materials and Methods
Field data including the locations of natural and planted Shisham patches in various regions of the province were collected. Effective criteria for assessing cultivation potential included climate (with sub-criteria of maximum, average, and minimum temperature, maximum, average, and minimum relative humidity, wind speed, sunlight hours, and evapotranspiration), topography (with sub-criteria of slope, geographical orientation, and elevation above sea level), soil, resource accessibility (including sub-criteria of distance from water sources and distance from roads), and environmental characteristics (including sub-criteria of soil type, land use, and geology), which were weighted with the participation of 28 experts through questionnaires. The final weights of the criteria were calculated using Super Decision software and the ANP method (with an inconsistency rate of less than 0.1). Raster layers for each criterion were prepared in GIS and integrated using fuzzy overlay. The final potential map was classified into five categories (very suitable to very unsuitable) and validated with field data and accuracy indices. For validation the locations of natural and cultivated Shisham patches in Khuzestan were used as actual samples to compare with the predicted map. The final cultivation potential map derived from the integration of weighted GIS and ANP layers, was meticulously compared with field data.

Results and Findings
The ANP analysis showed that resource accessibility (weight 0.62) and climate (0.22) had the greatest impact. Key sub-criteria identified as the most important determining factors for suitable planting areas included distance from water sources (0.23), elevation above sea level (0.18), and soil type (0.10). The results of applying the weights of the criteria and sub-criteria to the examined layers based on the GIS-ANP combined model also indicated that approximately 2,832.8 hectares of land in northern and central Khuzestan were identified as very suitable for Shisham cultivation with 85% overall accuracy. These areas, with conditions such as tributaries and rivers, low soil salinity, suitable soil depth, appropriate elevation range for the growth of this species, and annual rainfall exceeding 450 mm, possess ideal ecological potential. The model validation also showed an accuracy of 82% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.71, indicating that the predicted maps align well with the natural distribution of Shisham. Additionally, urban planted areas (such as Ahvaz) were not classified independently due to artificial irrigation conditions.

Conclusion
The results of the study revealed that identifying 2,832.8 hectares of land in northern and central Khuzestan as highly suitable areas for Shisham cultivation can reduce dependence on timber imports and alleviate pressure on natural forests. The combination of GIS and ANP methods, with an accuracy of 85%, proved to be an effective tool for zoning suitable lands based on ecological criteria and resource accessibility. This model can be generalized to other arid and semi-arid regions of Iran and can aid in planning the industrial cultivation of species adapted to harsh environmental conditions.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Journal of Wood and Forest Science and Technology
Volume 32, Issue 1
March 2025
Pages 19-39

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