Land Capability Classification (LCC) is a system used to classify land based on its suitability for agriculture and other uses, considering limitations such as soil, slope, erosion, drainage, and climate. The land is divided into eight classes (I–VIII). Class I: Very good land with no significant limitations; suitable for all crops. Class II: Good land with slight limitations; needs moderate conservation practices. Class III: Land with moderate limitations; restricted crop choice and special management required. Class IV: Land with severe limitations; cultivation is risky and limited. Class V: Not suitable for cultivation; used for pasture, grazing, and forestry. Class VI: Severe limitations and erosion hazards; suitable only for grazing or forestry. Class VII: Very severe limitations; used only for forestry and wildlife. Class VIII: Extremely poor land; not suitable for agriculture, used for recreation or watershed protection.

1. Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan engineering
college (A)
Prepared By
D .Ranjitha
3rd year
Agricultural engineering

2. Land capability classification
What is Land Capability Classification?
Land Capability Classification is a system that groups land based
on its ability to support agriculture without causing land
degradation.
It answers questions like:
What can this land be used for safely?
How much cropping is possible?
What kind of limitations (soil, erosion, slope, drainage) does it
have?
The aim is sustainable land use — preventing erosion, fertility loss,
or permanent damage.

3. Main Principles
Capability refers to potential use — not current use.
Focus on permanent limitations.
Higher class number = more limitations.
1.
Even if land is fallow now, it may still be suitable for agriculture.
2.
Example: steep slope, shallow soil, flooding risk.
3.

4. Class II — Good land
1.Mild limitations (slight slope, moderate erosion risk).
2.Requires simple conservation practices (contour plowing, crop
rotation).
Land Capability Classes (I to VIII)
These represent broad categories of land suitability.
Class I — Excellent agricultural land
1.Very few limitations.
2.Deep, fertile, well-drained, nearly level.
3.Suitable for most crops with normal management.

5. Class IV — Severe limitations
1.Restricted cropping options.
2.Frequent erosion, shallow soil, or flooding risk.
3.Best for occasional crops or pasture with strong conservation
practices.
Class V — Not suitable for cultivation, but safe for
pasture/forestry
1.Little erosion risk but unsuitable for plowing.
2.Often marshy, stony, or subject to constant wetness.
Class III — Moderate limitations
1.More severe slope, poorer drainage or lower fertility.
2.Needs careful management and soil conservation measures.

6. Class VII — Very severe limitations
1.Very steep, rocky, or highly erodible. 2.Only suitable for
forest and wildlife.
Class VIII — No productive agricultural use
1.Mountains, deserts, beaches, sand dunes. 2.Suitable
only for recreation, wildlife, watershed protection.
Class VI — Unsuitable for cultivation
1.Steep slopes or shallow soil.
2.Best for grazing, forestry, or wildlife habitat.

7. Land Capability Units (fine-level)
Within each subclass, land may be further divided into units
based on:
1.slope difference
2.soil depth variation
3.drainage differences
4.minor erosion risk changes
These provide field-level planning for farmers and engineers.

8. Why LCC is Important
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Prevents long-term soil degradation
Helps plan irrigation projects and cropping systems
Guides land management and conservation
programs
Supports watershed and rural development planning

9. Example Interpretation
Imagine land with:
1.moderate slope,
2.shallow soil,
3.some erosion risk.
It may fall into Class IIIE — still usable, but requires:
1.contour farming
2.bunding/terracing
3.mulching
4.controlled grazing

10. THANK YOU