Which Factors Are More Important in Land Consolidation Block Planning? An Analytic Hierarchy Process Approach for Prioritization

Abstract

Land consolidation is a comprehensive and challenging process in which block boundaries integrate parcels within natural and infrastructural boundaries such as roads, irrigation systems, and drainage networks, acting as a core framework. Effective block design is of critical importance, as it affects the long-term usability and productivity of agricultural parcels. In this study, the criteria effective in block planning were determined using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and an attempt was made to determine the priority order of the criteria. The criteria affecting block planning in the study were determined as land slope and topography, soil properties and fertility, climatic conditions, water resources and irrigation facilities, current ownership structure (shareholding), road planning and transportation, environmental and ecological factors, social and economic factors, plant species and agricultural activities, infrastructure and technological facilities, fixed facilities, parcel structure, and existence of projects made or to be made by the investor institutions or organizations. It was determined that the most important of these was the “existence of fixed facilities” criterion. Determining the priority order of the criteria used in block planning also provides the opportunity to use the obtained results in GIS.

1. Introduction

In Turkey, land consolidation projects are generally carried out in groups of villages rather than in individual villages. Consequently, the consolidation process is planned collectively for multiple neighboring villages [1,2]. Land consolidation aims to enhance agricultural productivity, optimize land use, and support rural development. One of the most critical components of this process is block design, as the proper organization of blocks directly influences the overall success of consolidation [3,4,5,6]. Block design in land consolidation plays a crucial role from economic, technical, and environmental perspectives. A well-planned block system not only ensures agricultural sustainability but also contributes significantly to rural development.

In land consolidation projects, various elements such as block systems, irrigation networks, inter-parcel and village roads, streams, waterways, forests, and shared-use facilities between villages are carefully considered [3]. Given that the block system shapes the rural landscape, it also affects the region’s tourism potential, rural aesthetics, the alignment of village peripheral roads, common waste storage areas, recreational spaces, and industrial and market zones. Due to the extensive coverage of block systems, topographic maps, satellite imagery, and orthophotos are employed to analyze the natural landscape and land use characteristics [7]. Moreover, geographic information system (GIS) technologies are utilized to enhance spatial analysis and decision-making processes [3,8].

The areas owned by the enterprises are different from each other. It is essential that the small parcels to be formed can also benefit from facilities such as roads, drainage, and irrigation systems. Large and small parcels should be in harmony with each other. This harmony is possible with the block system. The block system created in land consolidation studies refers to the closed areas in which the newly formed parcels will be placed. One parcel can cover the entire block or more than one can be placed within the block [9,10].

Project engineers create land consolidation block plans. However, their knowledge, skills, and competencies may vary. To ensure that block plans are of consistent quality, it is crucial to define the criteria to be considered in advance. There is a lack of sufficient studies on this topic in literature; therefore, such a study is necessary.

AHP is one of the multi-criteria decision-making techniques developed by [11]. AHP is a mathematical method that considers the group’s or individual’s priorities in decision-making and evaluates qualitative and quantitative variables together [12,13,14,15].

Cay and Uyan [16] analyzed and evaluated the reallocation criteria in land consolidation studies using the AHP method. In their study, they compared the results of the AHP-based land reallocation model with those of a traditional interview-based model, assessing their relative effectiveness and applicability. According to the results, 62.7% of the participants were satisfied with the interview-based land redistribution model, and 91.5% were satisfied with the AHP-based land redistribution model.

In Uyan’s study [17], the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method was used to address selection problems in land consolidation (LC) processes, and a software system was designed to evaluate enterprise preferences. This software supports the efficient processing and graphical representation of cadastral and block information, as well as parcel rankings, while also considering various criteria, such as interview preferences, to ensure the automatic allocation of the most suitable blocks [17,18].

Oleniacz et al. [19] conducted a multi-criteria decision-making process by applying the AHP method for evaluating the most urgent villages to carry out land consolidation works in the given area. The ranking of importance for land consolidation and land exchange works is strategic information for all participants in the agricultural sector. The various alternatives should be considered and evaluated using different criteria and indicators.

Ertunç [20] proposed a novel scientific approach for land valuation in land consolidation projects using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). In this approach, criteria affecting land value were determined based on expert opinions, including parcel size, parcel shape, ownership status, soil fertility, distance to the village center, and proximity to roads and water resources. The weights of these criteria were systematically evaluated through the AHP method.

Pamuković et al. [21] conducted their research on the comparison criteria for the evaluation and prioritization of cadastral parcels that were determined by the AHP method. The Sarı and Sarı [22] study used multi-criteria decision techniques to determine the most suitable crops for the parcels after land consolidation.

The creation of blocks plays a vital role in creating a new parcelization plan. Several criteria are considered when creating the blocks [23,24,25]. Scientific studies on the importance levels of these criteria have been limited. In this study, the criteria considered in planning the block system were determined first, and then the importance levels of these criteria were determined using the AHP method. The use of predetermined criteria in land consolidation block planning studies conducted by different project engineers in different regions will prevent essential factors from being overlooked. This, in turn, will support the implementation of block planning in accordance with certain standards.

2. Materials and Methods

The study was conducted in two stages. Firstly, to determine the criteria that impact block planning in land consolidation studies, a questionnaire was applied to people who worked as project engineers and project control engineers in land consolidation projects, and literature research was conducted. The questionnaire was organized as open-ended, and the participants’ opinions were taken. The same and similar criteria expressed by the participants were combined and classified. The AHP method (Figure 1) was used to determine the importance levels of the criteria that impact block planning. A pairwise comparison matrix was created to evaluate each criterion together with the others. With the pairwise comparison, the priorities of the criteria relative to each other were determined by subject matter experts according to the criteria in Table 1. Agricultural and biosystems engineers working on land consolidation projects with soil knowledge and experience with mapping, environment, planning, etc., were selected as subject matter experts. A total of 7 experts were asked to make pairwise comparisons of the criteria that can be used in block planning in land consolidation areas. Consistency ratios were calculated for each expert’s opinion with Equation (6). Experts whose consistency ratio was more significant than 0.10 (10%) were asked to review their answers and make corrections. As a result, the consistency ratio of all experts’ opinions was below 10%. The procedures given in Equations (1)–(6) were performed to determine the priority ranking of the criteria. In this evaluation, the opinions of each expert were evaluated separately, and the geometric mean of the expert opinions was also used to obtain the common opinion of all experts.

In the AHP method, an objective is determined for each problem, and the criteria and sub-criteria for this objective form a hierarchical structure. First, the problem is organized hierarchically, and the criteria weights within this hierarchy are calculated. The criteria at each level are compared with the criteria at the immediately higher level and scored by determining the degree of importance between the criteria using a scale of 1 to 9 [26,27,28,29,30,31,32] (Table 1).

Table 1. Scale used in analytic hierarchy process [28].

Degree of Importance	Definition	Description
1	Equally important	Both factors have the same importance
3	Moderately important	According to experience and judgment, one factor is slightly more important than the other.
5	Strongly significant	One factor is enormously more important than the other
7	Very strongly important	One factor is highly strongly preferred over the other
9	Essential	One factor is more important than the other to a very high degree
2, 4, 6, 8	Represents intermediate values	Used when there are slight differences in preference between two factors
Mutual Values	If a value (x) is assigned when comparing i with j, the value to be assigned when comparing j with i will be (1/x)

Table 1. Scale used in analytic hierarchy process [28].

Degree of Importance	Definition	Description
1	Equally important	Both factors have the same importance
3	Moderately important	According to experience and judgment, one factor is slightly more important than the other.
5	Strongly significant	One factor is enormously more important than the other
7	Very strongly important	One factor is highly strongly preferred over the other
9	Essential	One factor is more important than the other to a very high degree
2, 4, 6, 8	Represents intermediate values	Used when there are slight differences in preference between two factors
Mutual Values	If a value (x) is assigned when comparing i with j, the value to be assigned when comparing j with i will be (1/x)

When analyzing a problem with the AHP method, decisions are made using weights or priorities between criteria. These weights or priorities are obtained by normalizing the pairwise comparison matrix. If there are n criteria to be evaluated, matrix A is created to determine the importance of criterion i concerning criterion j. A relationship exists between the matrix elements: a_ij = 1/a_ji and a_ii = 1. The components on the diagonal of the comparison matrix (since i = j) take the value 1. The importance scale in Table 1 is used in the pairwise comparisons of the criteria. Normalization is performed by taking the row sums of the pairwise comparison matrices obtained by pairwise comparisons. A matrix with n criteria ${\left[x_{ij}\right]}_{nxn}$ matrix with ${\left[y_{ij}\right]}_{nxn}.$ The normalization process is given in Equation (1).

$$y_{ij}={\displaystyle \frac{x_{ij}}{\sum _{i=1}^n{x}_{ij}}} , i, j=\mathrm{1,2},\dots .., n$$

(1)

After the normalization process of the pairwise comparison matrices is completed, each row of the normalized matrix is divided by the matrix size, and the average is taken. Thus, the priority vector A = [a_i]_nx1 is obtained [33,34] (Equation (2)). These weights take values between 0 and 1 and are normalized so that their sum is 1 [26,35].

$$a_1={\displaystyle \frac{\sum _{j=1}^n{y}_{1j }}{n}} , j=\mathrm{1,2},\dots .., n$$

(2)

In the AHP method, inconsistency may arise when making pairwise comparisons between criteria. Therefore, the logical consistency of pairwise comparisons should be checked [35]. The formula for the consistency test of pairwise comparisons for n criteria is given in Equation (3).

$${\left[t_i\right]}_{nx1}={\left[x_{ij}\right]}_{nxn}\times {\left[a_i\right]}_{nx1}$$

(3)

Each element of the resulting vector is divided by the elements of the priorities vector, respectively. Then, the values obtained are averaged to calculate the largest eigenvalue λ_max (Equation (4)).

$${\displaystyle \frac{t_i}{a_i}} , {\lambda }_{max}={\displaystyle \frac{\sum _{i=1}^n\frac{t_i}{a_j}}{n}}$$

(4)

After calculating λ_max, the fit index (CI) value is calculated (Equation (5)). The “Random Index (RI)” value should be known to evaluate consistency. RI values defined for n-dimensional comparison matrices are given in

Table 2. RI values according to the size of the comparison matrices.

n	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15
RI	0	0	0.58	0.90	1.12	1.24	1.32	1.41	1.45	1.49	1.51	1.53	1.56	1.57	1.59

.

$$CI={\displaystyle \frac{{\lambda }_{max}-n}{n-1}}$$

(5)

To measure the consistency of comparisons by dividing the fit index and random index (RI) values by each other, Saaty [28] (CR) proposed the Consistency Ratio (Equation (6)). This ratio is calculated for the pairwise comparison matrix, and Saaty [28] recommended that the upper limit be set at 0.10. If the computed consistency ratio is below 0.10, the comparisons are sufficiently consistent, and the assessment can proceed. However, if the consistency ratio is above 0.10, the comparisons could be more consistent and need to be revisited [36,37,38].

$$CR={\displaystyle \frac{CI}{RI}}$$

(6)

3. Results and Discussion

A list of factors affecting block planning was obtained from a survey of people who worked as project engineers and project control engineers in land consolidation projects and literature research. To evaluate these criteria more efficiently, we tried to reduce their number as much as possible. For this purpose, similar criteria were combined, and 13 criteria were used in the study. Criteria affecting block planning in the study include the following: land slope and topography (K1), soil properties and fertility (K2), climate conditions (K3), water resources and irrigation facilities (K4), existing ownership structure (shareholding) (K5), road planning and transportation (K6), environmental and ecological factors (K7), social and economic factors (K8), plant species and agricultural activities (K9), infrastructure and technological facilities (K10), fixed facilities (K11), parcel structure (aspect ratio of parcels) (K12), and existence of projects made or to be made by investor institutions or organizations (K13).

A pairwise comparison matrix was created to evaluate all criteria against each other. The experts were asked to evaluate the importance levels of the criteria. They were asked to indicate the importance levels of the criteria with the numbers between 1 and 9, whose meanings are given in Table 1. Expert opinions were evaluated separately for each expert with AHP, and the priority ranking of the criteria was obtained (

Table 3. Criteria priority ranking (using separate and joint opinions of experts).

Criteria Priority Ranking (from Highest Priority to Lowest)							Common Opinion	Common Opinion Weight
Expert 1	Expert 2	Expert 3	Expert 4	Expert 5	Expert 6	Expert 7
K11	K3	K11	K6	K11	K11	K6	K11	11.8
K2	K8	K4	K12	K13	K13	K12	K6	9.9
K3	K7	K13	K11	K12	K1	K11	K4	9.8
K4	K5	K1	K10	K6	K6	K10	K13	9.7
K6	K13	K6	K4	K4	K10	K4	K1	9.3
K1	K10	K12	K2	K10	K4	K2	K10	8.4
K10	K4	K5	K1	K5	K12	K1	K12	7.9
K9	K2	K10	K5	K9	K2	K5	K5	7.3
K7	K9	K9	K13	K7	K7	K13	K2	7.2
K5	K12	K7	K3	K1	K9	K3	K9	5.1
K8	K1	K8	K9	K2	K5	K9	K3	4.8
K13	K11	K2	K7	K8	K8	K7	K7	4.6
K12	K6	K3	K8	K3	K3	K8	K8	4.2

). When the prioritization ranking determined by each expert was compared with that of the other expert, it was seen that there were differences. To determine the common opinion of all experts, the AHP process was repeated by taking the geometric mean of the expert opinions. As a result, a conclusion was reached that reflected the common opinion of all experts.

When the result table is examined, it is seen that some criteria have the same level of importance in the answers given by all experts. According to the result obtained by the geometric mean of the opinions of all experts, a result was obtained as K11, K6, K4, K13, K1, K10, K12, K5, K2, K9, K3, K7, and K8, respectively, starting from the highest level of importance.

Considering the results obtained, it is concluded that the fixed facilities (K11) in the project area are the most essential criterion to be considered in block planning. Fixed facilities contain structures such as fruit trees, wells, livestock facilities such as barns, industrial and energy facilities, and warehouses. Fixed facilities should remain within the owner’s parcel even after land consolidation. For this reason, arrangements should be made to include the fixed facility areas within the block when determining the block boundaries. Planning blocks according to fixed facilities ensures the protection of existing infrastructure and facilities and contributes to business continuity. İşcan et al. [6] conducted a study comparing the distribution models based on negotiation and block priority in land consolidation projects. They stated that one-to-one communication was established with the farmers in the interview using a priority-based distribution model. Distribution is made in line with their requests. In contrast, in the block priority-based distribution model, enterprises with a fixed facility are first allocated from the block where the fixed facility is located. If the enterprise does not have a fixed facility, allocation is made from the block where the enterprise owns the biggest parcel.

At the second level of importance, road planning and transportation criteria were identified (K6). A good road network provides easy and direct access to each consolidated plot. This is especially important for practical agricultural activities, as farmers should easily access their land. Road planning has an impact on the cost of transportation to the plots. Road quality is essential for access to land in all seasons. Road width is an important constraint for the transportation of machinery and equipment needed for agricultural activities on the land. Smooth roads also allow agricultural machinery to work more efficiently. When blocks are placed using existing roads, the cost of building new roads is significantly reduced. This makes the consolidation process more economical. When planning the blocks, paying attention to the existing road system ensures that the consolidation process proceeds faster, more efficiently, and economically. Bahar and Kirmikil [39] evaluated the agricultural management inputs before and after land consolidation. They stated that with the decrease in road length, there was a decrease in the cost and duration of transportation to the parcels, fuel cost, and time.

The third important criterion is water resources and irrigation facilities (K4). In irrigated agriculture, water resources are indispensable for a farmer. The design and implementation of irrigation systems require significant investments. If there is an irrigation system in the area declared for land consolidation, integrating the blocks into this system reduces the need to invest in new irrigation infrastructure. This reduces the costs of the consolidation project and accelerates the project process. When open irrigation and drainage systems are implemented without land consolidation, the area required for these facilities may need to be met through expropriation. This cost is eliminated when the irrigation infrastructure is implemented together with land consolidation [40].

When designing blocks, the presence of projects that have been or will be carried out by investor institutions or organizations (K13) is the fourth most important factor in block planning. In regions where large projects (e.g., industrial facilities, power plants, transportation projects) are located or planned, it is essential to plan blocks in line with these projects. Designing blocks that are aligned with existing or planned investments can maximize consolidation’s economic and social impacts by ensuring integration with these projects. Public institutions and organizations need an expropriation corridor, the dimensions of which are limited by regulation, to realize technical infrastructure projects. These projects, prepared as ribbon-like routes, hit the immovable properties on the borders of many provinces, districts, neighborhoods, and villages. For this reason, some of the needed land is acquired through expropriation from privately owned immovable properties, while some is handled within the scope of land consolidation projects [41].

Land slope and topography (K1) directly affect the agricultural use of blocks, transportation infrastructure, and water management. Flat land is more suitable for agricultural production and infrastructure, while on sloping land, blocks should be planned according to erosion risk and water flow. Blocks must be carefully arranged on sloping terrain to avoid problems such as water accumulation, erosion risk, and difficulties with machine use. Gündoğdu et al. [3] stated that block areas are determined by considering the land’s topographic structure and slope direction and that the blocks should harmonize with the land.

Existing infrastructure (roads, electricity, water, sewage) and technological facilities (irrigation systems, digital agricultural technologies) are other criteria affecting how blocks are planned (K10). These facilities play a significant role in planning blocks regarding efficiency, cost savings, agricultural sustainability, and socio-economic development. Therefore, planning blocks by the existing infrastructure are critical factors for the continuity of agricultural activities and efficient use of resources. Veisi et al. [42], using the AHP technique to select the best irrigation system by evaluating the opinions of farmers, experts, and agricultural NGOs on three irrigation systems in terms of nine indicators, found that pressurized irrigation systems are the best system. In conclusion, Rahmani et al. [43] found that a pressurized irrigation system can be an effective technology to improve production by reducing water consumption by up to 17% and increasing input efficiency. They stated that improving rural infrastructure can reduce the cost of production in agriculture by saving resources [44]. They also emphasized that irrigation and substandard roads hurt agricultural production costs.

The structure and characteristics of the plots (K12) are essential for shaping the blocks and their economically efficient use. The size of the plots and their aspect ratios directly affect the shape of the blocks. Smooth and proportional plots facilitate the use of agricultural machinery and allow more efficient use of irrigable areas. Since long and narrow parcels may reduce agricultural productivity, arranging blocks with ideal aspect ratios during consolidation is essential. Increasing parcel length through land consolidation suits agricultural mechanization activities [39]. Ayrancı [45], in his study, stated that as the aspect ratio increases, the costs of agricultural activities decrease. Valtiala et al. [46] examined the relationship between agricultural land parcel size and cultivation costs and emphasized the importance of parcel size. However, he stated that marginal benefits become increasingly insignificant when the parcel size exceeds 20 hectares.

Ownership structure (K5), especially shared plots, can complicate consolidation and block planning. Therefore, clarifying the ownership structure, resolving disputes, and protecting property rights are paramount during block planning. Balancing stakeholders’ interests in shared lands directly affects the success of the consolidation process. Considering the situation of tenants during block planning is essential for the effectiveness of consolidation. If tenants have been engaged in agriculture for a long time, their rights must be protected and included in block planning. Enterprise size is an essential determinant of how ownership is consolidated and block planning is carried out. Small-scale farms cannot benefit from the advantages of significant holdings, so block planning aims to combine small plots into larger, more economical plots. The distance of the parcels to the village center is also an issue that should be examined within ownership. Reducing the number of plots far from the village center will play an essential role in reducing transportation costs. Block planning that preserves tenancy status increases enterprise size and optimizes the proximity of parcels to the village center. It also offers land management that supports sustainable agricultural production in rural areas, preserves ownership, and increases productivity.

Soil properties and fertility (K2) are considered a criterion of medium importance according to the result obtained. Soil characteristics and fertility are essential in block planning to ensure an efficient and equitable land distribution. Some plots owned by an enterprise may have high productivity, while others may have lower productivity. This diversity can create imbalances in land use and directly affect the income of business owners. In the consolidation process, fertile land is replaced with land of similar productivity, so each enterprise is allocated land with equal productivity potential. After consolidation, enterprise owners may demand that their land be reorganized based on their former productivity levels. Enterprise owners, especially those with highly productive land, expect the land given to them after consolidation to be equally productive. A balanced distribution of different soil classes to enterprises ensures fairness among enterprises. It should also be remembered that enterprise owners are used to and emotionally attached to their old parcels’ soil characteristics and fertility class. The quality of the soil affects how the blocks are organized. Soil structure, water holding capacity, drainage properties, and organic matter content determine the feasibility of specific crops and agricultural activities. Fertile soils allow the planning of blocks with high potential for agricultural production.

The types of plants grown in the region and agricultural activities (K9) determine the purpose for which the blocks will be used and how they should be planned. Each plant species has different soil and water needs. These differences are considered in planning, and the blocks are divided into suitable agricultural areas. In addition, planning that allows for the cultivation of a variety of plant species rather than monoculture is essential for the sustainability of agriculture.

Climatic conditions (K3), such as rainfall, temperature, wind, and humidity, affect the capacity for dry and irrigated agricultural production and how blocks are organized. Especially in arid or stormy regions, blocks are planned according to water management and climatic risks.

According to the consensus, environmental and ecological factors (K7) and social and economic factors (K8) were the least influential criteria in block planning. However, environmental protection and ecological balance are critical in the planning of blocks. Blocks should be organized considering natural water resources, forests, wetlands, and biodiversity. Furthermore, in line with the principles of environmental sustainability, risks such as erosion, water pollution, and habitat loss are minimized. Planning that considers ecological factors ensures the protection of soil and water resources in the long term. Land consolidation projects are carried out for agricultural purposes and to improve the social and economic structure. The social structure, income level, attachment to land, and livelihoods of landowners are considered. The impact of consolidation on regional development should be taken into consideration. Land consolidation is essential not only for increasing agricultural production but also for solving the socio-economic problems of rural areas [47].

According to the results, the most important factors, such as fixed facilities, transportation, and water resources, should be considered first when planning blocks. Other factors should be organized depending on these critical elements. Each criterion plays a role in block design to support efficiency, sustainability, and economic development goals.

The criteria used in this study were derived from the expert opinions of project engineers working in different regions. However, the interactions among these criteria could be analyzed in a separate study. Additionally, further research is needed to assess the long-term impact of block planning on biodiversity and natural resources.

4. Conclusions

Block planning in land consolidation aims to make parcels regular and accessible to ensure efficient agricultural land use. This arrangement allows construction machinery used in agricultural activities to be worked more effectively; transportation, irrigation, and drainage infrastructure can be established more efficiently; and costs can be reduced. Thus, while the difficulty of access to the parcels is eliminated, savings are achieved in both labor and input costs. Block planning is essential for sustainable agriculture and contributes to the protection of soil quality while increasing productivity.

This study determined the criteria that can be used in block planning in land consolidation projects as a result of surveys and literature research. Similar criteria were combined to reduce the number of criteria. The AHP method was used to determine the importance levels of the criteria.

In determining the importance levels of the 13 criteria, the opinions of seven experts were consulted. In order to obtain the opinions of the experts, the geometric meaning of all expert opinions was taken. According to the opinions of the experts, the order of importance of the criteria to be considered in block planning was determined. Starting from the highest level of importance, the criteria were fixed facilities, road planning and transportation, water resources and irrigation facilities, presence of projects made or to be made by investor institutions or organizations, land slope and topography, infrastructure and technological facilities, aspect ratio of parcels, existing ownership structure, soil properties and fertility, plant species and agricultural activities, climatic conditions, environmental and ecological factors, and social and economic factors.

Fixed facilities are the first and most crucial element to be considered when planning because they determine the intended use and boundaries of the blocks. Arranging the blocks by the transportation infrastructure is a second priority criterion for rapidly transporting agricultural products to the market. Water resources are one of the basic needs of agriculture. Designing blocks connected to the irrigation system will ensure easy water access to the parcels.

Investment projects (e.g., power plants and large agricultural projects) can directly affect block planning. These projects can change the block structure due to the area they cover. The slope and topography of the land is another factor to be considered in block planning. Another important criterion is the size of the blocks to form parcels suitable for mechanized agriculture.

Modern agricultural techniques and tools have become possible in blocks designed according to technological facilities and infrastructure. This helps to reduce labor costs. In mechanized agriculture, the parcel’s shape, size, and aspect ratio directly affect the enterprise’s productivity.

The ownership structure is an important criterion to consider when planning blocks. In the case of shared ownership, disputes can complicate block arrangement. Property rights need to be clarified, and planning needs to be done to protect everyone’s interests.

Soil fertility and physical properties are critical for the success of agricultural production. Therefore, areas with fertile soil should be prioritized.

Blocks should be designed by the plant species grown in the region and the agricultural activities carried out because each plant species has different soil and water requirements. Arranging the blocks according to these requirements increases farm productivity and optimizes agricultural activities.

Blocks planned by climatic conditions ensure proper timing of planting and harvesting in agricultural activities, which increases productivity and sustainability.

Environmental factors must be considered to protect natural resources and sustain agricultural activities without disturbing the ecological balance. This ensures that agricultural areas remain productive in the long term.

Arranging the blocks in a way that improves the livelihoods and quality of life of the people in the region ensures social balance and supports regional development. Considering the criteria mentioned above according to their importance levels in block planning will contribute to creating a sustainable infrastructure in agriculture.