Characterization of vegetation dynamics using MODIS satellite products over stone-mining dominated Rajmahal Hills in Jharkhand, India

Abstract

Continuous and comprehensive vegetation monitoring, assessment, and reporting are pivotal for formulating sustainable vegetation management practices while protecting changes in the vegetation ecosystem. The present case study employed various Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite products (i.e., land cover, leaf area index (LAI), and gross primary productivity (GPP)) for a comprehensive study of vegetation dynamics (i.e., spatio-temporal change, growth, and productivity analysis) over the Rajmahal Hills (RH) in the state of Jharkhand (India) during 2001–2019. Study findings revealed that the RH has a fragile vegetation ecosystem, and is predominantly covered with deciduous broadleaf forest (DBF) followed by savannas (SV), natural vegetation (NV), woody savannas (WSV), and mixed forest (MF). A significant loss in DBF, WSV, and SV coverage was observed during the study periods (2001–2019). The anthropogenic activities (especially stone mining activities) over the Rajmahal Hills are observed as the key drivers behind vegetation cover loss. The study of LAI of different vegetation types exhibited an overall structural development during 2001–2019. Furthermore, the gross primary productivity (GPP) analysis showed that the vegetation ecosystem over the RH has excellent potential for removing the carbon from the atmosphere via photosynthesis. GPP of the entire RH was significantly increased to ∼2859 and 5189 gC/m2/day over a span of 2001–2010 and 2010–2019, respectively. The findings of the present case study shall be crucial inputs for the policy-makers and planners for informed and evidence-based decision-making at the local spatial level to reduce the harsh conditions associated with it.