SUITABILITY OF AGRICULTURAL LAND OF THE HERZEGOVINA- NERETVA COUNTY FOR CULTIVATION OF SOME FRUIT SPECIES

UDK 631.164(497.6 Hercegovina) This paper presents the evaluation of benefits of the agricultural land for the cultivation of cherry, sour cherry, plum and apple in the area of Herzegovina-Neretva County (HNC). The evaluation of the land suitability was carried out according to the FAO method (FAO, 1976, Brinckman and Smith, 1973), according to the agro zone (up to 800 m above sea level) and taking into account the features of the soil, climate and topography and the requirements of these fruit cultures. The results of the research are shown with text and graphics (maps of benefits of the agricultural land). Based on the conducted research, the existence of significant and valuable land resources is established for development of fruit cultivation in Herzegovina-Neretva county. For the cherry and sour cherry cultivation in the agricultural area of Herzegovina- Neretva county (up to 800 m above sea level) exists 29,682 hectares (28.55%) of suitable land, for the plum and apple cultivation exist 38,345 hectares (36.89%). The convenience of the class structure of the soil for the cherry, sour cherry, plum and apple is the smallest share of the P-1 class benefits. The largest proportion of the land P-3 class benefits for growing cherries, sour cherries, apples and plums with benefits in the soil for growing cherries have less difference between the surfaces of the P-2 and P-3 class suitability. The main limitations are the slope of the terrain, the depth of profile, rockiness and stoniness. Temporarily unsuitable soils had occupied significant area for these fruit species cultivation. Plots of this class can be with adequate, economically justified measures led to a certain class of convenience