Abstract
The state of Kerala in the southwestern tip of India supports a large population density over its extent. The area has suffered extensive and meteoric land use land cover (LULC) changes from pristine forests to monoculture plantations and settlements. The region, which receives an annual rainfall ~3000 mm, is recording progressively worsening dry season water shortages with steady water table drawdown and increasing peak streamflow as well as number of zero flow days for rivers. A comparative study of the vertical profile of relevant soil physical characteristics of rubber plantations and forests/sacred groves was done using available data. Differences in soil organic matter content and water retention are noticed. The results are examined against changes noticed in the streamflow characteristics of the Vamanapuram river and LULC changes in the Chittar watershed. Chittar is the main tributary of the Vamanapuram river. The implications of such LULC changes for the initiation of flood drought cycles that are increasingly being noticed as getting established in various regions, including Kerala, Sri Lanka, etc. are also examined. Suggestions for mitigation of these negative impacts are also presented.
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