Generation of Detailed Soil Information for the Virudhunagar Aspirational district of Tamil Nadu using Remote Sensing & GIS Techniques for Developmental Planning

Abstract

Detailed Soil Survey and Land use Planning for entire Virudhunagar aspirational district of Tamil Nadu consist of 11 Blocks such as Rajapalayam, Sirivilliputhur, Sivakasi, Sattur, Aruppukkottai, Virudhunagar, Thiruchuli, Kariyapatti, Watrap, Vembakkottai and Narikudi were completed on 1:10,000 scale using Remote Sensing and GIS techniques. The total area of the district is 4.24 Lakh ha. There are 44 soil series have been identified in the district. Out of which Virudhunagar series occupied 11.08% of the total geographical area. Granite Gneiss Geology and Pediplain (Upper and Lower) Physiography covered 65.54% and 71.37% respectively. Most of the soils are Very deep (41.91%) and Very gently sloping (61.34%) in nature affected by Moderate Erosion (66.43%). Soils series of the district are classified under soil orders Entisols, Inceptisols, Alfiisols and Vertisols. Among them Inceptisols and Vertisols dominated the area. Every Block village wise soil map, problematic area details and Land Capability Classes are generated. Majority of the soil series interpreted in Land Capability Classes II (33.66%) and III (39.64%). Cultivated Lands occupied 59.76% followed by culturable wastelands 16.1% (68,098 ha). These culturable waste lands area are occupied by vegetation i.e. Acacia species and scrublands leads to ground water depletion, soil erosion and land degradation. There is a tremendous scope to convert these lands for agriculture, horticulture and forestry activities.