LAND SUITABILITY EVALUATION FOR EGGPLANT(Solanum melongena L.)CROP IN BARANGAY SAN JOSE, GENERAL SANTOS CITY USING QGIS

     The study aimed to generate map the land suitability evaluation for Eggplant Production in Barangay San Jose, General Santos City. The study was evaluated through determining different parameters such as the Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Organic Matter, Soil Texture, Soil pH, Temperature, Annual Rainfall, Relative Humidity, Elevation, and Slope.

     An Analytical Hierarchical Process was used to determine relative importance of different parameters and the resulting weights were used to construct the suitability maps. Maps interpreted the Land Suitability Evaluation generated by Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) Chugiak 2.4 version. Based on maps generated, most areas of Barangay San Jose are said to be moderately and highly suitable for the production of eggplant. More specifically, Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium as the macro-nutrients of eggplant are found as adequate and satisfactory in Barangay. There areas also in the Barangay have sufficient amounts of Organic Matter that are suitable for the eggplant production. Most of the areas have also neutral in PH range values which are best for eggplant. Other factors such as temperature, relative humidity, annual rainfall, elevation and slope were determined and found out to be highly suitable for eggplant production.

     For more valid and accurate results, the researcher recommends using more high technology methods for soil texture determination. Since there are already machines and apparatus that are used to determine the said parameter which can produce more efficient and defined results instead using the feel method.

     In behalf of the incoming study, the researcher recommends conducting an analysis annually about N, P, and K nutrients and organic matter since it may change due to different factors that can affect the quality of the soil. Also, the researcher recommends determining the other nutrients, especially micro-nutrients which are vital for growing eggplants. It is important to be acquired from the soil since it greatly affects the yield and production of eggplant.