Crop suitability and nutrient management plan using GIS based LRI study at Gopalpali-Bharatgardh micro-watershed of Deogarh district under climate change scenario

Abstract

A comprehensive GIS-based Land Resource Inventory (LRI) study was conducted in the Gopalpali-Bharatgarh micro-watershed (462.93 ha) of Deogarh district, Odisha, to assess crop suitability and develop a nutrient management plan under changing climatic conditions. Detailed soil surveys and laboratory analyses of 17 profiles and 70 grid soil samples enabled the identification of three major soil series with eight distinct soil phases. Using FAO and ICAR-NBSS&LUP guidelines, land suitability evaluation was carried out for various field and horticultural crops. Groundnut (96.78% of TGA), paddy, green gram, and mango were identified as moderately suitable across diverse landforms. Nutrient status analysis revealed widespread soil acidity, medium organic carbon, and sufficient micronutrient availability, warranting targeted nutrient management interventions. Benchmark soil phases covering 51.92% of the total area were identified for promoting crop diversification. Constraints such as soil erosion and coarse texture were highlighted, alongside potentialities for land reclamation, agroforestry, and horticultural rejuvenation. The study emphasizes the utility of GIS-based LRI for informed land-use planning and sustainable resource management under climate variability.