Geo-ecologic Land Capability Classification in Karabük Basin, NW of Türkiye

Land capability classification is an important factor to maintain natural equilibrium, sustainable development and food security in given region. Soil, climate and topography especially slope in the land capability classification are used in the USA land classification. In this study, the new land capability classification approaches entitled is geo-ecologic land capability classification. To explain and importance of these factors in geo-ecologic classification, Karabuk tectonic basin bordered by the highland is selected as the example area, located in the western part of Black Sea Region in Türkiye. Parent material, geomorphic evolution in the formation of present day landforms, climate are the key factors for the land capability classification in the Karabük Basin. Jeo-ecologic land capability classifications are as fallowed below: III. Class land is only found along the alluvial valley of the river bed of Araç River. The erosional surfaces occurring on the neogene marly deposits and flat plateau surfaces are defined as IV land capability class. Gravelly and sandy dejection fans and colluvial deposit material occurrence areas are V land capability class.. VI. class lands on the plateau surfaces and wide valleys containing grass vegetation in the forest and subalpine grass upper the forest zone. VII. Class of lands are common on the mountainous areas and on steep slopes of valleys. Class VIII lands are found on the canyon valley slopes, rocky lands on top of the mountains and gravelly sandy deposit and swamp areas on the river bed and canyon valleys in the study area.