Temporal Change (1987-2011) and Environmental Effects of Land Use in Central District of Çorum

In this study, we observed change of land use through the years of 1987-2011 in the central district of Çorum, and suggested some proposals in terms of natural environment potential of the area within the scope of this change s environmental effects. On investigation field, there has been a notable decrease in pasture areas while areas of settlement, agriculture, forest, and water surfaces have increased during 25 years of period. Decrease in pasture areas is related to expanding of agriculture areas; increase in settlement areas to rapid growth (202%) of Çorum city through the years of 1987-2011; expansion of agriculture areas to food need of vicinity population, and to acceleration of commercial agriculture activities; increase in water surfaces to dams-ponds which have been constructed in recent years; and as for increase in forest areas to afforestation works and immigration of forest villages. In research area, environmental effects of land use change are; a noncompatibility between land use-land capability classes (e.g. 17% of agriculture areas is found on nonarable lands), polluting of water-soil sources, and leaving randomly solid wastes to lands. Present pattern of land use on the area should be shaped in accordance with natural environment potential, and these plannings should be conducted by Center for Land Use Planning in Çorum Plain and Its Immediate Surroundings which will be established.