Mapping of soil degradation hazards by remote sensing in Hanumangarh district (western Rajasthan)

In the present study, efforts have been made to identify and map areas affected by various soil degradation processes in Hanumangarh district of western Rajasthan. Soil degradation processes were identified by using IRS-1B satellite image of the year 1998, SOI toposheets, ground truth verification and soil studies. The kind, extent and degree of soil degradation have been mapped in an area of 9703 km². The study reveals that the soil degradation problems were mainly due to wind erosion/deposition and water-logging, followed by salinity/alkalinity, water erosion and wind and water erosion combinedly. Nearly 38.7% area is subjected to slight and moderate degradation, which can easily be combated by adopting the suggested techniques and 17.1% area is free of hazard. Soil degradation processes have resulted in the loss of organic carbon, available Phosphorus and Potassium. Soil degradation due to water logging/salinization has also shown a significant increase in electrical conductivity and available potassium content of soil.