Agro Climate Zoning of Quince Tree in Ardebil Province Using Multi-Criteria Methods

Research Aim: The purpose of this study is evaluating the areas susceptible to the creation of Quince gardens at Ardebil province with an emphasis on climatic conditions. Research method: For agro-climatic zoning of Quince tree cultivars, five climatic variables including rainfall, temperature, minimum temperature, frost days and relative humidity, and three other important environmental variables including soil, elevation and slope were used Findings: The combination of these variables in the framework of a geographic information system (GIS) requires the application of multi-criteria decision-making models. In this research, three multi-criteria decision-making models including the AHP model, the VIKOR model and the TOPSIS model were used to determine the importance of each of the criteria and research options. The results of agro-climatic zoning of Quince tree cultivation by using multi-criteria decision-making models in the GIS framework indicate the efficiency of AHP and VIKOR models in identifying susceptible areas of Quince tree cultivation in Ardebil province. While the efficiency of the TOPSIS model for agro-climatic zoning of Quince tree cultivation is relatively low in the study area.Based on the results of the AHP, Approximately 4.8% tenths of area of Ardebil province is in very good class, 18.1% tenth of a percent in the appropriate class, 21.3% of the average, 28.1% tenth of a percent in improper class and 27.7% in a very inappropriate class for the purpose of creating gardens. These percentages are for the VIKOR model respectively 3.3%, 19.5%, 19.3%, 30.2% and 27.8% And for the TOPSIS model, respectively, are 3.6%, 6.1%, 13.9%, 32.2% and 44.3% percent. Conclusion: So based on the results of the AHP and VIKOR models, about 23 percent of the area of Ardabil province (more than 4,000 square kilometers) was identified suitable areas for the purpose of creating Quince gardens. In terms of spatial distribution, most suitable areas for Quince planting are located in the northern part of the province, especially in Parsabad and Bilasovar counties. Modification of the severe temperature conditions in Ardebil province in these areas and the presence of smooth and relatively smooth lands in this effect. In fact, given the potential and environmental opportunities provided in the northern province of Ardebil, it can be said that these areas have a great potential for creating Quince gardens. So, in terms of climate in northern parts of the province, there is no specific limit to Quince tree breeding, and other issues, especially access to water resources, will be decisive.