Analysis of permaculture potential of agro-ecological regions with GIS and RS techniques: An example of Ankara Stream Basin

Conventional agricultural practices have led to widespread environmental degradation, prompting the need for sustainable alternatives like permaculture that offer resilience and ecological harmony. As a holistic approach, permaculture emphasizes the creation of self-sustaining agricultural systems that work in concert with natural ecosystems. This study aims to assess the viability of permaculture practices in the Ankara Stream Basin, located in Central Anatolia, T & uuml;rkiye, which is known for its challenging agricultural conditions due to poor soil quality and low rainfall, by utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) technologies. The analysis integrates climatic data (precipitation, humidity, average temperature), topographical factors (elevation, slope, aspect), and soil characteristics (texture, fertility, erosion) to identify potential permaculture zones. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and weighted overlay analysis were used to evaluate these factors. Results indicate that areas around Ova Stream and the northern parts of & Ccedil;ubuk Stream exhibit high suitability for permaculture due to favorable climate, topography, and productivity. Conversely, urban areas, regions with significant erosion, and low soil fertility are deemed unsuitable. The study highlights that permaculture could enhance production and rehabilitate systems damaged by conventional agriculture, providing a sustainable alternative for the region's ecological and economic development.