Implementing Integrated Land Use Planning: A step-by-step guide for rural areas
PRACTITIONER’S GUIDE: STEP 5
PART 9
5.5. TOOLS
CROPSYST
A user-friendly, multi-year, multi-crop simulation model operating with a daily time step. It simulates the soil water budget, soil–plant nitrogen dynamics, crop canopy and root growth, dry matter production, yield, residue production and decomposition, and erosion. Management options include cultivar selection, crop rotation (including fallow years), irrigation, nitrogen fertilization, over 80 tillage operations, and residue management.
DPSIR
A conceptual framework for analyzing cause–effect relationships in environmental and social impact studies.
DSSAT
A software package comprising crop simulation models for over 42 crops. The models require daily weather data, soil surface and profile information, detailed crop management, and crop genetic data. Management options include variety selection, planting date, plant population density, row spacing, soil type, irrigation, fertilizer application, and initial conditions. The models assess yields, water stress during vegetative and reproductive stages, and net returns.
EX-ACT
A tool for ex-ante estimation of the impact of agriculture and forestry projects, programs, and policies on the carbon balance in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and carbon (C) sequestration.
FLE
The Framework for Land Evaluation presents time-tested principles and concepts for developing land suitability evaluation systems at local, national, or regional scales.
FUTURE_LAND
Provides concise overviews of principles for resource evaluation related to specific land use or management options. Topics include land evaluation, agro-ecological zoning, financial and economic viability, and social and environmental impact assessment.
GAEZ
A database offering maps of land suitability and potential yields for up to 280 crops or land utilization types, under different input and management levels, for historical, current, and future climate conditions.
Guide_LUP
Contains comprehensive sections on land suitability evaluation and appraisal of alternatives, considering environmental, economic, and social factors.
LE_FOR
Presents procedures for land evaluation specific to forestry, which has unique characteristics compared to crop- or livestock-based land uses.
LE_GRAZ
Outlines a methodology for applying the Framework for Land Evaluation to extensive grazing systems, accounting for both primary production (grazing forage) and secondary production (livestock dependent on the forage).
LE_IRR
Provides a detailed methodology for applying the Framework for Land Evaluation in irrigated agricultural systems.
LE_RAIN
Explains step-by-step procedures for implementing land evaluation in rainfed agricultural systems—covering crops, crop combinations, and farming systems—based on the Framework for Land Evaluation.
LEFSA
Presents approaches for integrating land evaluation, rooted in biophysical sciences, with farming systems analysis, which focuses on socio-economic constraints.
NTD
Offers guidelines for land suitability evaluation in regions where water availability is a significant constraint.
MAP_CCVIS
Provides guidance on integrating vulnerability to climate change into environmental impact assessments.
QM
An evaluation tool for land degradation and conservation efforts at national or sub-national levels. It uses a detailed questionnaire to assess: (1) the type, location, and causes of land degradation; (2) current sustainable land management measures; and (3) the effectiveness of these interventions.
WOFOST
A crop simulation model used for large-area crop yield assessments. It differentiates between three levels of crop production: (1) Potential production: determined by solar radiation, temperature, and plant characteristics only, (2) Attainable (limited) production: also accounts for water and nutrient availability, (3) Actual (reduced) production: further includes biotic stress factors such as weeds, pests, and diseases.
| CHECKLIST | |
| Step 5 Plan for optimal use and anticipate environmental, economic and social impacts of the proposed land use intervention | |
| Responsibility | Land use planning task force |
| Key questions | Is implementation of the proposed land use change on biophysically suitable land likely to increase economic benefits for land users? |
| Is implementation of the proposed land use change on biophysically suitable land likely to have positive or negative environmental consequences? | |
| Is implementation of the proposed land use change on biophysically suitable land likely to have positive or negative social impacts on the affected community (e.g. livelihoods, food security)? | |
| Activities | Analyze and map land suitability for relevant land use options |
| Conduct an economic analysis quantifying costs and benefits of the proposed land use or management change compared to the current situation; specify potential support measures (e.g. loans, subsidies, compensation). | |
| Conduct an environmental impact assessment | |
| Analyze social impacts of the proposed land use or management change on different population groups (e.g. women, ethnic minorities, landless persons). | |
| Deliverables | Biophysical land suitability report |
| Economic feasibility study | |
| Environmental impact assessment report | |
| Social impact report | |
| Recommendation of developmental options that are biophysically suitable, economically sound and that minimize adverse environmental and social impacts. | |
| Tools | CROPSYST, DPSIR, DSSAT, EX-ACT, FLE, FUTURE_LAND, GAEZ, Guide_LUP, LE_FOR, LE_GRAZ, LE_IRR, LE_RAIN, LEFSA, NTD, MAP_CCVIS, QM, WOFOST. |