Spatial variation of forage cultivation in Abu Ghraib district

Abstract

Agriculture is one of the most important economic sectors due to its pivotal role in achieving food security and sustainable development. This research focuses on studying the factors influencing forage crop mixtures cultivation in Abi Ghraib District, which is considered a major agricultural area in Iraq. The cultivation in this area exhibits significant spatial variation due to the interplay between natural and human factors. The research addresses the cultivation of various forage crops, including alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Egyptian clover, barley, and forage mixtures, with an analysis of cultivated areas and their economic productivity.

The study revealed that alfalfa is the leading forage crop in the district, with a cultivated area of 2,858 dunums and a production of 20,399 tons in 2023. The highest productivity was recorded in Subdistrict 17, Western Radwaniyah, at 7,591 kg/dunum. Barley occupied an area of 1,244 dunums, with a total production of 720 tons, and the highest productivity was noted in Subdistrict 8, Mahmoudiyah and Maftiya, contributing 31% of the total production.

As for Egyptian clover, the cultivated area reached 796 dunums, with a production of 2,284 tons. Subdistricts 8 (Mahmoudiyah and Maftiya) and 10 (Abbadi and Hor Al-Basha) ranked highest in productivity.

The results also showed that the cultivation of forage crop mixtures, including legumes and grasses, accounted for 11.4% of the total forage crop area, with a production of 1,253 tons. Subdistrict 14 (Aqarquf) was distinguished by the highest proportion of forage mixture cultivation, representing 20% of the total area.