Indian Journal of Agricultural Research
SCOPUSWeb of Science
  • Year: 2026
  • Volume: 60
  • Issue: 7

Land Transformation and its Impact on Soil Quality, Bonitation Scores and Cadastral Value Through Economic-mathematical Modeling

1Hrant Petrosyan Scientific Center of Soil Science, Agrochemistry and Melioration Branch of Armenian National Agrarian University (ANAU) Foundation, 24 Isakov Ave., Yerevan0004, RA, Armenia

2Institute of Economics after M. Kotanyan, The National Academy of Sciences of Armenia

*Corresponding Author: Inga Beglaryan, Hrant Petrosyan Scientific Center of Soil Science, Agrochemistry and Melioration Branch of Armenian National Agrarian University (ANAU) Foundation, 24 Isakov Ave., Yerevan0004, RA, Armenia. Email: inga.beglaryan2@gmail.com

Abstract

Land transformation significantly impacts the physical, legal and economic characteristics of agricultural resources. This study explores the role of economic-mathematical modeling in optimizing land use efficiency through land cover transformation in the Aghavnadzor community of Vayots Dzor, Armenia.

The research focused on a 7.5-hectare area (1450-1600 m altitude) from 2021 to 2024. Characterized by a dry subtropical climate and humus-poor gray soils, the site served as a controlled environment to minimize climatic variability. The methodology integrated soil chemical analysis, bonitation (soil quality) assessment and cadastral valuation within an economic-mathematical framework to evaluate the transition from low-value to high-value agricultural land types.

Findings reveal that strategic land transformation substantially improves soil chemical composition, including organic matter and essential nutrients. Quantitative analysis showed a 20-30% increase in bonitation scores, leading to a proportional rise in cadastral value. The mathematical model successfully identified resource constraints and "bottlenecks," providing a robust framework for sustainable land management. Notably, the transformation yielded a projected net community income of $17,000 USD, demonstrating significant local economic benefits. This integrated approach offers a scientifically grounded decision-making tool for land use planning. By linking soil properties with modern agricultural practices and economic outcomes, the study provides a scalable model for enhancing land productivity and rural financial stability in similar geographic regions.

Keywords

Bonitation score, Cadastral value, Economic-mathematical modeling, Land transformation, Land use optimization, Soil quality