Assessment of ecological development capability and land use planning of Ghurichai watershed in Golestan province, using comparative-qualitative approach

Land use planning is a science that determines the optimum use of land, regarding to the land ecological characteristics and socio-economic condition. In land use planning of Ghurichai watershed with area of 24039 ha, six information layer including elevation classes, slope, aspect, soil type, vegetation type and density were combined and the final map of land use planning unites were obtained. In this processes 1921 units were distinguished in GIS environment using Arc map software. Ecological potential evaluation for agriculture, range management, forestry, extensive tourism, aquaculture, rural and urban development, and conservation were assessed for each unit. Finally 12.3 percent of area was allocated as agriculture and rangeland use, 0.4 percent as extensive tourism, 52.5 percent as forestry, 1.1 percent as aquaculture, 1.7 percent as rural and urban development and 32 percent were allocated as conservation. Most of the area was allocated for forestry use, due to high capability and potential of soil and climate condition in this area. Therefore it is necessary to implement some basic practices in this area to prevent land degradation and lead to a sustainable use of its natural resources. In order to prevention of irregular use of the forest, some alternative options have to be suggested for the stockholders of the watershed, to avoid the injurious ecological and social effects of this prevention on the people’s lifestyle. Therefore According to the result of the study, two new land use including extent tourism and aquaculture, suggested to Ghurichai watershed.