Land use planning in the Lower Mesopotamian Plain - a problem analysis.

Abstract

The Lower Mesopotamian Plain in Iraq comprises a total area of 5.5 million ha. of which 4.4 million ha. is cultivable. The present area under cultivation in any one season is estimated at 2.6 million ha. The history of land use is described. Agricultural production has declined and land use practice has changed from annual (mainly winter) cultivation to a system of fallow land rotation. This extensive system of land use is the result of water-logging, and salinity resulting from unreliable irrigation combined with inadequate drainage. Future policy for land use is outlined. It is stressed that social and organizational aspects play an important role in the process of land use planning. ADDITIONAL ABSTRACT: [175.567]Throughout the centuries a general decline in agricultural prosperity and an overall shift in land use practice from annual, mainly winter, cultivation to a system of fallow land rotation is noted. This extensive system of land use is mainly the result of waterlogging and salinization due to unreliable irrigation coupled with inadequate drainage. Future policy is discussed in terms of soil and water resources, farming system, cropping intensity, cropping pattern, size of the farm area, social and organizational aspects. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)