CROP SUITABILITY OF SELECTED VEGETABLE CROPS IN BARANGAY SULIT, POLOMOLOK, SOUTH COTABATO

Crop suitability analysis refers to the process of measuring the degree of suitability of the crop in a particular land. The objective of this research was to categorize the suitable land bell pepper (Capsicum annuum), eggplant (Solanum melongena), bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), sponge gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca, string beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in Barangay Sulit, Polomolok, South Cotabato. using Geographic Information System (GIS), Multi-Criterion Design Method (MCDM), and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Three suitability criteria including soil characteristics (texture, pH, organic matter, and NPK), climatic data (rainfall, temperature, sunlight, and relative humidity), and topography (slope) were evaluated based on the crop experts\' opinions. The results of this research showed that the Barangay Sulit is highly suitable, moderately suitable, and marginally suitable for bell pepper, bitter gourd, eggplant, sponge gourd, string beans, and tomato. Present data show that crop productivity was hindered by nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, organic matter, availability of water and drainage, and soil type. Application of organic and inorganic fertilizers, tillage improvement, improving water availability, and drainage are needed to boost crop productivity. The results can be used by the local government to introduce other crops to the local farmers.