Integrated Geospatial Analysis for Land Suitability Assessment for Agriculture in Amravati Basin

Abstract The assessment of agricultural land suitability is vital for promoting sustainable land use and optimizing agricultural productivity, particularly in semi-arid regions like the Amravati River Basin in Maharashtra, India. This study aims to evaluate land suitability using integrated geospatial techniques and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) through the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Various thematic layers such as soil, slope, land use/land cover (LULC), rainfall, lithology, and hydrology were collected and analyzed using satellite imagery and secondary data sources. These layers were weighted and integrated using ArcGIS Pro to develop a land suitability map categorized into four classes: Highly Suitable (S1), Moderately Suitable (S2), Marginally Suitable (S3), and Not Suitable (N). The results indicate that 31.42% of the area is highly suitable, 38.96% moderately suitable, 21.07% marginally suitable, and 8.55% not suitable for agriculture. The S1 zones are mainly located near the river and in flat alluvial regions with good soil and water availability, while unsuitable areas are mostly rugged, hilly, and erosion-prone zones. This spatial distribution reveals how physiographic and environmental factors influence land potential. The study highlights the importance of geospatial tools for accurate land evaluation and supports evidence-based agricultural planning. The findings serve as a decision-support tool for land managers, planners, and policymakers aiming to enhance food security and sustainable rural development.