Soil-Physiography relationship in Mahanadi Delta (Part) using Landsat Imagery

Visual Interpretation of Landsat Imagery (TM-FCC) on 1∶250,000 scale covering 2410 sq km in a part of Mahandi Delta, Kataka district, Orissa was carried out for delineating the physiographic units. The major physiographic units identified and delineated were ‘Delta plain’ and ‘Coastal plain’. These units were further subdivided on the basis of image elements. The abstraction level attained was ‘Family’ based on Soil Taxonomy. The soils of the beach were classified as Typic Ustipsamments; old coastal plain as fine, Typic Haplaquept and coarse loamy Aquic Ustifluvent; Tidal flat as fine Typic Haplaquept and fine loamy Aquic Ustifluvent; mud flat as fine Typic Haplaquept; Levee-plain complex as Typic Ustipsamment and fine loamy Typic Ustorthent; old Delta plain as fine Udic Ustochrept and Aeric Haplaquept and recent delta plain as fine loamy and coarse loamy Typic Ustorthent. The soils are mixed in mineralogy and Isohyperthermic in temperature regime.     

Utilization of remotely sensed data for soil resource mapping and its interpretation for landuse planning of Bhiwani district,Haryana

Visual interpretation of IRS-1A LISS-II (October 1988 & Feb. 1989) FCC (spectral bands 2, 3 & 4) at 1:50,000 scale was carried out for soil resource mapping of Bhiwani district (Haryana State) covering on area of 5099 sq. kim. Based on image characteristics, element analysis (landform, vegetation & erosion) and field traverses, physiography-soil relationship was established. Major physiographic units identified in the area are: Aeolian plain, Fluvio-acolian plain, Transitional plain, Alluvial plain, Hills and Pediments. Area was divided into 34 subunits. Final physiography-soil map on 1:50,000 scale was prepared. Taxonomically, the soils of each unit were classified and are found as: In aeolian plain—Typic Torripsamments/coarse loamy, Typic Camborthios; Fluvio-aeolian plain-Aridic Ustipsamments/coarse loamy/fine loamy Typic/Udic Ustochrepts; Alluvial plain—Typic Ustipsamments/coarse loamy/fine loamy Typic/Udic Ustochrepts; Hills and Pediments—fregmental Lithic Torriorthents/Typic Torripsamments. Interpretation for each subunit was made regarding land suitability for various land utilisation types. It was found that hills and pediments, dunal ridges, dunal complexes and serub-lands are best suitable for forestry and horiculture plantations. Dunal plains and inter-dunal depressions are best suitable for gram/bajra/oilseeds/guar, very gently sloping dunal plain and low lying plain are suitable for wheat/arhar/cotton/sunflower.     

Assessment of land degradation hazards,etah district,uttar pradesh using landsat data

To understand the nature of land degradation and factors responsible for it, investigations were carried out in Etah district with an area of 4.45 lakh hectares. For identification of soil/land degradation problems, multidate Landsat, TM spectral bands and FCC were used. It is observed that salt-affected soils are sharply depicted by light and dark gray mixed tone on band 3, while they are not clear on band 4. Flood plain and waterlogged soils are clearly observed on band 4. Band 6 (10.3 – 12.5 µm) helps in separation of broad zones of coarse and fine-textured soils, active flood plain of rivers, and eroded and gullied lands. The confusion between coarse-textured droughty soils and salt-affected areas in TM FCC (2, 3, 4) could be eliminated by use of band-6 data in combination with FCC. For delineation of problematic areas, two approaches were followed viz. (i) physiographic approach, and (ii) direct approach. In the physiographic approach landscape map associated with image characteristics was prepared. Further the image interpretation units were interpreted for land degradation hazards. With this approach physiography and soil relationship and the degradation problems vis-a-vis soil units could be established and ameliorative measures as per soil condition can be suggested. In direct approach, the problematic areas as per predetermined key were demarcated. Out of 4.45 lakh ha of the area, 1.99 lakh ha is affected by various soil degradation problems, like droughty soils, flooding hazard and salinity and alkalinity which cover 22.1%, 50.0% and 27.9%, respectively. To study the distribution of a salt-affected lands, major physiographic boundaries were superimposed over the land degradation map prepared by direct approach. It is observed that 81.5% of the salt-affected areas lie in the old alluvial plain while 18.5% is in recent flood plain.     

Application of remote sensing data in characterization and mapping of soil resources for watershed planning in arid Western Rajasthan

Visual interpretation of IRS-L1SS-II (January, 1995) FCC (1:50,000 scale) of spectral bands 2, 3 and 4 was carried out for the identification and mapping of major physiographic units in an arid watershed of Jodhpur district (Rajasthan). Based on image characteristics and field traverses, seven major physiographic units identified are (1) hills (2) pediments, flat to undulating (3) buried pediments, moderately deep to deep, coarse textured (4) buried pediment, shallow to moderately deep and deep, medium to fine textured, saline (5) older alluvial plains, deep and very deep, coarse textured (6) younger alluvial plains, deep to very deep, very coarse textured and (7) dune complexes. Based on physiographicvariatton and soil or site characteristics such as texture, depth, slope, erosion and underneath substrata, 41 soil mapping units were identified and mapped. Final physiography, soil, slope, drainage and landuse maps were prepared on 1:5,000 scale. Taxonomically, the soils of the watershed were classified as Para-Lithic Torriorthents, coarse-loamy, Lithic/Typic Haplocambids, fine-loamy, Lithic/Typic Haplosalids and Typic Torrifluvents and Typic Torripsamments. Land suitability for various mapping units in the watershed have been assessed on the basis of soil physico-chemical characteristics.     

Soil—landscape relationship of Hissar District using aerial photo — interpretation technique

Soil survey of Hissar district (Haryana) covering total area of 6,331 sq. kms. was carried out using the aerial photographs of 1 : 25,000 scale. A detailed physiographic legend was prepared and boundaries were confirmed in relation to soil. Soil-landscape relationship was established during the course of study. Four major physiographic units were identified in the area : i. e. i) Aeolian plain, ii) Alluvial plain, iii) Drishdawati flood plain, iv) Ghaggar flood plain. Each of the major unit was sub-divided on the basis of photo elements, tone, texture, erosion, parcelling etc. The soils of the sand dunes/ Bars are classified as Typic Torripsamments/Ustipsamments; plain-Typic, Camborthids/Calciorthids/Ustrochrepts; basins-Aquic Ustochrepts and salt affected plain-Aquic Natrustalfs.     

Pedo-genesis of soils in relation to physiography of part of Yamuna alluvial plain in Sonepat District,Haryana

Air photos coupled with intensive ground check and laboratory analysis have helped in establishing the relationship between physiography and associated soils located in the alluvial tract of Sonepat district Haryana. Four major landform units in the area were1 (i) recent flood plain, (ii) young meander plain, (iii) old meander plain and (iv) ofd alluvial plain. Each of the major units were sub divided on the basis of photo elements, (tone texture and parcelling). In the recent flood plain development in the profile was restricted due to recent deposits and continuous flooding during rainy season. Profile showed little development in the young and old meander plain which are to some extent free from flood activity. The old alluvial plain which showed maximum development in the profile might be attributed to age (Late Placetocene) and topography (occupies low land). Although over all the profile development is slow due to calcareous nature of parent material.     

Physiographic analysis for small scale soil and landuse mapping of Mewat area,Haryana, using LANDSAT imagery

Visual interpretation of LANDSAT imagery of 1∶250,000 scale (band 5 and 7) and 1∶1 M (FCC) covering 1611 km² in Mewat area, Haryana was carried out for delineating the physiographic units. The physiographic units viz. hills, piedmont plain, intermontane basin and Yamuna alluvial plain were identified and delineated using interpretation elements. Soils and land use in relation to the physiographic units were studied during the field visit and are described in the paper.     

Confirmation of soil physiographic units through soil mineralogy studies in Yamuna alluvial plain,India

A confirmatory study of soil physiographic units identified through aerial photo interpretation technique, in Yamuna alluvial plain, Haryana is presented here. The area under study is part of Yamuna alluvial plain in Sonepat district, Haryana. Shanwal and Malik (1980) studied and mapped this area (semi-detailed) on 1:25,000 scale through areial photo interpretation technique. The soil profile samples of major soil physiographic units of the area were fractionated into sand, silt and clay. Detail mineralagical studies were carried out through electron microscopic and X-ray diffractometer studies in order to know their nature and origin of the parent material. X-ray diffraction data shows that mineralogy of different fractions (Sand, silt and clay) of soils samples, of different physiographic units were similar except Lavee. In this area mica is the dominant day mineral in the soils followed by Kaolinite, chlorite, vermiculite and smectite in decreasing order of their abundances. The occurance of fibrous minerals in coarse clay and silt fraction of soil samples of Lavee physiographic unit is the interesting feature of this area. The presence of fibrous minerals indicates that this overlain material designated as natural Levee in this area is not the alluvium brought down by the river Yamuna but is aeolian material flown from adjoining deseret of Rajasthan and deposited as stabilized sand dune. The fibrous minerals have been reported earlier in the desert of Rajasthan.     

Land use study in Mewat area,Haryana, using remote sensing techniques

A soil and land use survey of Mewat area, Haryana, was carried out using the aerial photographs of 1:50,000. Four major physiographic units namely hills, piedmont plain, intermontante basin and Yamuna alluvial plain were recognised. The land use was studied in relation to the physiographic units. The legend adopted for land use classification has physiography at first level, utility at second level and management and identification at third and fourth levels respectively. Of the total area of 161,103 ha surveyed, 131,637 ha (81.72%) are cultivated. Of this 75,967 ha (47.16%) irrigated and 55,670 ha (34.56%) is unirrigated. Under uncultivated area, barren lands cover 14,224 ha (8.82%), forests occupy 3,463 ha (5.25%), settlements cover 3,300 (2.05%), water bodies occupy 1,312 ha (0.81%) and roads, railway lines, canals and drains constitute 2,167 ha (1.55%).     

Soilscapes,geomorphic processes and soil taxonomic new subgroups identified in the Ghaggar river basin of Haryana and Punjab

Soilscapes of the Ghaggar river basin falling in Haryana and Punjab were interpreted and studied by using the Landsat imagery and aerial photographs. Five major landform units identified and demarcated in the area were : channel courses, levees, flood-plains undulating, basinal floodplains and relict basins. On the basis of sedimentation, nature of the river pattern and soil characteristics, the whole basin was divided into three reaches — upper, middle and lower. Taxonomically the soils were placed under Typic Ustipsamments, Typic Ustorthents and lypic Ustifluvents on channel courses; Aquic Ustifluvents, Typic Ustifluvents and Typic Ustochrepts on levees; Fluventic Ustochrepts, Udic Ustochrepts and lypic Camborthids on floodplains undulating; Typic Ustorthents and Udic Ustochrepts on basinal floodplains; Typic Natrustalfs and Natric Camborthids on relict basins. Two new subgroups were proposed, i.e., Natric within the order of Entisol and Inceptisol, and Aquic-udic within the order of Inceptisol. Two dominant geomorphic processes were observed, i.e., fluvial and aeolian.     

Groundwater study in the Piedmont zone of Mechi Mahananda interfluve in Darjiling district,West Bengal using remote sensing techniques

The Mechi-Mahananda interfluve is a transitional area between the hills and the plains and exhibits a wide range of topographical variations. The drainage system of the area has a close relationship with lithology and landforms. The rivers originating in the hills attain a braiding character and have well developed alluvial fans. Piedmont plain covers a large area and has high ground water potential. The river terraces and flood plains also have high potentialities of ground water targeting. Fluctuation of water table is very high in the upper piedmont plain dependent upon the proximity to the drainage lines.     

Assessment of salt affected soils in India using GIS

Salt affected soils are characterized by variable distribution and dynamic nature. Based on Landsat data from 1986/1987 supported by ground truth, salt affected soil maps were prepared at 1:250,000 scale for 14 states and a union territory (UT). A map legend was evolved that described the nature, degree and extent of salt affected soils suitable for varied physiographic and agroclimatic regions of the country. Fifteen categories of salt affected soil were identified for the entire country. These were merged to two categories – saline and sodic – for management purposes. Digitized maps were developed in a geographical information system (GIS) depicting salt affected areas of the country. An area of 6.73 million ha of salt affected soils was estimated for the entire country. State-wise estimates showed that this extensive area is distributed over the Gangetic plain of Uttar Pradesh; the arid and semiarid regions of Gujarat and the peninsular plains of Maharashtra state. A significant area is also located in the coastal region covering seven states. The salt affected soils are primarily saline in deltaic (C), coastal (D) and mud flats/mangrove swamps (G) and sodic in alluvial (A), aeofluvial/aeolian/arid (B) and peninsular (F) plains. The distribution of salt affected soils in agroclimatic zones (ACZs) showed occurrence in Gujarat plain, East Coast plains, Upper-Gangetic plain, Trans-Gangetic plain, Central Plateau, Lower-Gangetic plain and Southern Plateau of the country.     

Soil resource assessment and mapping using remote sensing and GIS

In this study digital image processing for physiographic analysis and soil resource mapping of Solani watershed was carried out using satellite remote sensing data and GIS. Digital image processing of satellite data facilitated in accurately delineating and identifying various soil mapping units. The physiography of the study area is mainly influenced by denudational and colluvial processes in the upper part and by sedimentation processes in the lower part. Topography of the land and nature of parent material along with the time factor seemed to have played a vital role in the genesis of soils. Majority of the mapping units are Typic Haplustepts with Entisols and Inceptisols being the major soil orders. The soils of the Siwalik hills experiences severe erosion, which prevents the maturation of soil profile. The present study demonstrated that satellite remote sensing and GIS is a valuable tool for physiographic analysis and soil resource mapping.     

Hydromorphogeological studies around Pinjaur-Morni-Kala Amb area,Ambala district (Haryana), and Sirmur district (Himachal Pradesh)

Parts of Indogangetic alluvial plain and southern part of Simla-Himalayas were studied to evaluate the ground water potential zones through hydromorphogeological mapping using various remotely sensed data. Black and white panchromatic aerial photographs were mainly used to differentiate different lithounits whereas MSS and TM FCC were used to delineate the major trends of lineaments. IRS LISS-II CCT was used for digitally generating enhanced False Colour Composite, Principal Component and Filtered products for better correlative studies. Different rocks of Subathu and Siwalik groups form the structural hills of high to low relief which are mainly runoff zones. The alluvial fan forming piedmont zone has been further subdivided into upper and lower piedmont zones. In order to ascertain ground water movement and occurrence, the infiltration and discharge zones were established. Other local potential discharge zones were also considered. Ground water occurs under semi-confined to confined conditions and good prospects of potable water are present in the area.     

The solani-ganga interfluve; an application of remote sensing technique on soil resource mapping for agricultural planning

The area of the Solani-Ganga interfluve, which lies between 29°16′N to 30°15′N latitude and 77°45′E to 78°15′E longitude was undertaken for the present study using LANDSAT imagery of band 5 and 7 and the false colour composite on the scale of 1:250,000 in combination with aerial photographs (1:25,000). Major geomorphic units, e.g., Siwalik Hills. Solani-upper alluvial plain, Solani lower alluvial plain, ‘Tarai’ and Ganga alluvial plain were delineated on LANDSAT and colour composite. Sample areas selected from LANDSAT were studied on aerial photographs in details and soil physiography relationship was developed. The soils on Siwalik hills are classified as Orthents. The soils of the pledmont plain and the recent terraces of Solani river and its tributaries were Psamments, Orthents, Fluvents, Orchrepts and Aquepts. The soils of upper alluvial tract of the Ganga plain is mostly Ustalfs with inclusion of Aqualfs, while the strong hydromorphic Tarai tract consists of partly Aquepts, Ochrepts (cultivated) and partly of Aquolls, Ustolls and Ustalfs (under forest). The present study aims to pin point the nature of soil relief relationship with the help of LANDSAT imagery and aerial photographs and diagnose the intensity of the depletion of soil resources (by prevailing factors like swift run off of biykderfed torrents, fast-flow of ground water, soil creep, mass wasting) through field studies and then treat them with ecological dose of soil conservation. For agronomic development of the region, it is worked out that the present crop-combination and crop-rotation systems should be slightly modified according to its ecosystem to prevent the depletion of soil nutrients.     

Hydromorphology of a part of Azamgarh and Ghazipur districts,Uttar Pradesh

Hydrogeological studies in the Quaternary alluvial plain of a part of Azamgarh and Ghazipur districts, using air photos on scale 1:60,000 indicate the presence of five hydromorphic units namely, Alluvial upland, older alluvial plain of Mangat-Besu, older flood plain of Ganga—Gomti, youngest terrace of Ganga—Gomti and present flood plain of Ganga-Gomti. From the groundwater point of view older flood plain of Ganga—Gomti is the most promising hydromorphic unit. Abandoned channel of river Ganga offers favourable site for deep groundwater exploration with high potentiality. Chemical quality of shallow and deep aquifers is suitable for irrigation and other purposes.     

Terrain analysis of Panna District,Bundelkhand, Madhya Pradesh,using LANDSAT imagery

Visual interpretation of LANDSAT imagery in bands 6 and 7 covering Panna district, Bundelkhand, Madhya Pradesh was carried out for terrain analysis and present land use. The physiographic units viz. hills and hill ranges, escarpments, ridges, table-land, pediment, piedmont plain and sub-units of second order were identified and delineated using inter pretation elements. Area of each unit and sub-unit is calculated and presented in the table showing extent, tone, texture, shape and land use. Land use in relation to physiographic units is also described in the paper and shown in the form of small scale map. Visual interpretation technique helps in broad terrain analysis on scale 1:1 million. This information could be used for making a rapid resource inventory.     

Terrain Characterization for Soil Resource Mapping Using IRS-P6 Data and GIS - A Case Study From Basaltic Terrain of Central India

In the present study, landforms and soils have been characterized in Borgaon Manju watershed of basaltic terrain located in Akola district, Maharashtra, Central India. Terrain characterization using Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) elevation data (90 m) and IRS-P6 LISS IV data in conjunction with adequate field surveys shows nine distinct landforms. Soil resource inventory shows fourteen soil series in the study area. Soils formed on gently sloping (3–8 %) subdued plateau are very shallow (23 cm), moderately well drained, moderate (15–40 %) surface stoniness, severely eroded, clayey and slightly alkaline in reaction, whereas, the soils formed on level to nearly level (0–1 %) slope in the main valley are very deep (>150 cm), well drained, very slight (<3 %) surface stoniness, moderately eroded with clayey surface and moderately alkaline in reaction. Soils in the watershed are grouped into Lithic Ustorthents, Vertic Haplustepts, Calcic Haplustepts, Typic Haplustepts, Typic Haplusterts and Sodic Calciusterts. The study demonstrates that the analysis of SRTM elevation data and IRS P6–IV data in Geographic Information System (GIS) with adequate field surveys helps in characterization of landforms and soils in analysis of landscape-soil relationship.     

Mapping of Lateritic Soils of Midlands in Kerala Using Resourcesat-1 LISS-III and SRTM DEM Data

Lateritic soils of Mathamangalam, Kannur District, located in midlands of Kerala, were morphologically studied, characterized, classified and mapped at 1:50,000 scale using remote sensing techniques. The terrain of the study area being hilly and covered with perennial vegetation, soil-landscape model was applied. For this purpose physiographic information was inferred from SRTM DEM, Resourcesat-1 LISS-III satellite image and topographical maps. The interpreted units were validated in the field and characterized through soil-site examination, soil profile study and soil analysis. The study indicated that the lateritic soils of midlands of Kerala vary in physical, chemical and morphological properties in relation to micro-relief. Soils developed on moderately steeply sloping side slopes (15–30% slope) are deep, moderately well drained with gravelly clay textured, where as the soils developed on moderately slopping side slope (10–15% slope) are very deep and well drained. The soils of valleys are very deep, moderately well drained with fine texture. Very gently sloping (1–3%) laterite plateau tops have extremely shallow soils associated with rock outcrops. These soils mainly belong to Order Ultisols followed by Inceptisols and Entisols. These were further grouped up to Family and Series level by tentatively establishing seven soil series. This study helps in understanding the behaviour of lateritic soils of midlands of Kerala, which can be useful in generation of interpretative maps and in optimizing the land use.     

Impact Assessment of GIS Based Land Resource Inventory Towards Optimizing Agricultural Land Use Plan in Dandakaranya and Easternghats Physiographic Confluence of India

GIS based land resource inventory (LRI) with fine resolution imagery is considered as most authentic tool for soil resource mapping. Soil resource mapping using the concept of soil series in a smaller scale limits its wide application and also its impact assessment for crop suitability is controversial. In this study, we attempted to develop LRI at large scale (1:10,000 scale) at block level land use planning (LUP) in Dandakaranya and Easternghats physiographic confluence of India. The concept of land management unit was introduced in this endeavour. The impact assessment of LRI based LUP was exercised to develop efficient crop planning with best possible management practices. The study area comprised six landforms with slope gradient ranging from very gentle (1–3%) to steep slopes (15–25%). The very gently sloping young alluvial plains occupied maximum areas (19.95% of TGA). The single cropped (paddy) land appears to dominate the land use systems (40.0% of TGA). Thirty three landscape ecological units were resulted by GIS-overlay. Eighteen soils mapping units were generated. The area was broadly under two soil orders (Inceptisols and Alfisols); three great group (Haplaquepts, Rhodustalfs and Endoaquepts) and ten soil series. Crop suitability based impact assessment of LRI based LUP revealed that average yield of different crops increased by 39.2 and 14.5% in Kharif (rainy season) and Rabi (winter) seasons respectively and annual net returns by 83.4% for the cropping system, compared to traditional practices. Productivity and net returns can be increased several folds if customized recommended practices are adopted by the farmers. Informations generated from the study emphasized the potentiality of LRI towards optimizing LUP and exhibited an ample scope to use the methodology as a tool to assess in other physiographic regions in India and abroad.