Optimal Land Selection for Agricultural Purposes Using Hybrid Geographic Information System–Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process–Geostatistical Approach in Attur Taluk, India: Synergies and Trade-Offs Among Sustainable Development Goals

Subbarayan Sathiyamurthi, Youssef M. Youssef (), Rengasamy Gobi, Arthi Ravi, Nassir Alarifi, Murugan Sivasakthi, Sivakumar Praveen Kumar, Dominika Dąbrowska and Ahmed M. Saqr
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Subbarayan Sathiyamurthi: Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Paiyur 635112, Tamil Nadu, India
Youssef M. Youssef: Geological and Geophysical Engineering Department, Faculty of Petroleum and Mining Engineering, Suez University, Suez 43518, Egypt
Rengasamy Gobi: Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Karur 639001, Tamil Nadu, India
Arthi Ravi: Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar 608002, Tamil Nadu, India
Nassir Alarifi: Department of Geology & Geophysics, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
Murugan Sivasakthi: Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar 608002, Tamil Nadu, India
Sivakumar Praveen Kumar: Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar 608002, Tamil Nadu, India
Dominika Dąbrowska: Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia, Będzińska 60, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland
Ahmed M. Saqr: Irrigation and Hydraulics Department, Faculty of Engineering, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 3, 1-29

Abstract: The precise selection of agricultural land is essential for guaranteeing global food security and sustainable development. Additionally, agricultural land suitability (AgLS) analysis is crucial for tackling issues including resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and rising food demands. This research examines the synergies and trade-offs among the sustainable development goals (SDGs) using a hybrid geographic information system (GIS)–fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP)–geostatistical framework for AgLS analysis in Attur Taluk, India. The area was chosen for its varied agro-climatic conditions, riverine habitats, and agricultural importance. Accordingly, data from ten topographical, climatic, and soil physiochemical variables, such as slope, temperature, and soil texture, were obtained and analyzed to carry out the study. The geostatistical analysis demonstrated the spatial variability of soil parameters, providing essential insights into key factors in the study area. Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the results showed that the FAHP method (AUC = 0.71) outperformed the equal-weighting scheme (AUC = 0.602). Moreover, suitability mapping designated 17.31% of the study area as highly suitable (S1), 41.32% as moderately suitable (S2), and 7.82% as permanently unsuitable (N2). The research identified reinforcing and conflicting correlations with SDGs, emphasizing the need for policies to address trade-offs. The findings showed 40% alignment to climate action (SDG 13) via improved resilience, 33% to clean water (SDG 6) by identifying low-salinity zones, and 50% to zero hunger (SDG 2) through sustainable food systems. Conflicts arose with SDG 13 (20%) due to reliance on rain-fed agriculture, SDG 15 (11%) from soil degradation, and SDG 2 (13%) due to inefficiencies in low-productivity zones. A sustainable action plan (SAP) can tackle these issues by promoting drought-resistant crops, nutrient management, and participatory land-use planning. This study can provide a replicable framework for integrating agriculture with global sustainability objectives worldwide.

Keywords: land suitability; agriculture; soil physiochemical parameters; geostatistical analysis; fuzzy AHP; sustainable development goals (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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