Biophysical Linkage with Simulation Modelling for Sustainable Land Use and Agricultural Productivity: A Case Study in Western Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

The population of India is likely to reach by 1.4 billion in 2025 with 42.5% as urban. With per capita land availability <3ha and net availability of cereals and pulses < 450g d-1, India is facing challenge in coping up with the national food security and environmental sustainability. Western Uttar Pradesh registered a high agricultural growth during the second wave of ‘Green Revolution’ in 1980s. However, rapid urbanization and developmental processes are increasingly in conflict with other forms of land use, especially agriculture. This study addresses the spatial pattern of land use over a decade and soil and climatic characterization of the region. The land use/cover change were captured by integrating satellite imageries (IRS-1D and IRS P6) of winter and summer (monsoon) seasons. Over the years, shift of land from agricultural to non-agricultural uses were 4.41% in which conversion to built-up areas was 2.89%. Spatial patterns of major soil and climate parameters were integrated into homogeneous agro-ecological units (38 classes) and 417 land units. Potential yields of major crops of the region were computed by using crop simulation models; and current yields were obtained through field survey in selected land units and other collateral data. Yield gaps (potential-current) ranged 3.87-6.64, 2.85-4.89, 4.09-6.02 and 30 t/ha in rice, wheat, maize and sugarcane for a majority of land units. A few agri-technological levels were tested for the fertilizer and irrigation inputs required to bridge yield gaps in rice and wheat in selected land units. It is argued that augmenting the production through assessment of biophysical potential of a region can ensure food security and sustainability of the system.