Land suitability evaluation in yaadhalli-1 microwatershed of Yadgir taluk and District of Karnataka, India, using remote sensing and geographical information system (GIS) tools

Abstract

In present investigation, five soil series were identified and mapped into eleven mapping units using GIS technique in Yaadahalli-1 microwatershed of Yadgir Taluk and District of Karnataka, India. The soils were varied from deep to very deep in depth, sandy clay loam to sandy clay in texture, very gently sloping, moderate erosion and non gravelly in nature. These soils were grouped into land capability class II (87%) and IV (2%) with limitations of soil characteristics and erosion. Land suitability evaluation showed a maximum area under highly suitable (S1) land for growing agricultural (sorghum, sunflower, Bengal gram and cotton) and horticultural (brinjal, onion, Bhendi, musambi, lime and custard apple) crops followed by moderately suitable (Class S2) land with minor limitations of texture, rooting depth, drainage and calcareousness. The marginally suitable (Class S3) land covers a minimum area with major limitations of rooting depth, gravelliness, texture and calcareousness. Currently not suitable (Class N1) land covers a negligible area with severe limitations of rooting depth and gravelliness. The results of this study could be used to provide the baseline information needed for mapping specific soil resource constraints for sustainable production of these crops in the study area. Therefore, the integration of remote sensing & GIS techniques could be envisaged as a laudable resource sustainable approach to model the growth of these crops in order to enhance profitable land use planning decision support for sustainable crop production in the study area.