Abstract
Abstract. The watershed based integrated approach is considered as a more efficient and appropriate approach for resource appraisal and implementation of various sustainable development measures. The present study intends to demonstrate the application of geospatial technologies in preparation of comprehensive as well as an operational framework under Indian conditions to evaluate land and water resources patterns through a case study of Andipatti watershed, located in Theni district in the State of Tamil Nadu (India). The study used widely acclaimed various empirical and quantitative models to characterise the watershed and to understand the spatial pattern of potential-utilisation levels of the watershed resources. The study used mostly remotely sensed data for understanding surface characteristics and location enabled in-situ data such as soil, rainfall and groundwater data for understanding the sub-surface characteristics of the study area. All these datasets were integrated in a GIS environment to asses soil productivity, soil erosion, surface runoff, groundwater potential, groundwater quality, crop-land suitability, groundwater suitability for agriculture, determination of potential-utilisation index and to draw land use planning strategies. Since the methodology developed in the study is mostly depends on remotely sensed data, only minimal efforts are required for any agencies to prepare a similar systematic sustainable agricultural development plan.
Highlights
1.1 BackgroundOver the last 60 years, land and water resources have been severely exploited to meet the rapidly rising demands for food and fibre through input-intensive, mechanised and intensive irrigation based agricultural practices
The survey of India (SOI) toposheets (58 F/12 SW & 58 G/9 NW), Geology map published by Geological Survey of India (GSI), Soil database generated by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) and National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP), climate and groundwater data compiled by State Surface and Ground Water Board, demography data published by Census of India and village agricultural database compiled by Directorate of Economics and Statistics forms basis for preparation of base layers
The suitability of groundwater for irrigation purpose can be examined using concentration of chloride (Cl), magnesium ratio (MR), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), soluble sodium percentage (SSP), permeability index (PI) and a method formulated by the US Salinity Laboratory (USSL)
Summary
Over the last 60 years, land and water resources have been severely exploited to meet the rapidly rising demands for food and fibre through input-intensive, mechanised and intensive irrigation based agricultural practices. The processes of degradation are largely determined by land use change, economic investment, access to markets, availability of infrastructure and farmers’ accessibility to land that allows them to produce at maximum capacity (Bai et al, 2008) Behind these obvious direct human causes, there are other deeply rooted drivers such as population pressure, poverty, poor governance and institutional framework and lack of awareness, which leads to resources degradation (Nachtergaele et al, 2011). The condition of land and water resources and their role in supporting socio-economic development is becoming more and more critical in the arid and semi-arid lands of tropical regions These areas are highly sensitive to human interference that resulted in a severe depletion of its natural resources due to multiple interactions of natural and anthropogenic factors (AbuSharar, 2006). The present study attempts to assess land and water resources in a watershed scale by integrating merits of global methodologies and applications of geospatial technologies towards sustainable agriculture development
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
