Using the soil resource information of Buldhana district sixteen benchmark soils were identified. Using monthly rainfall, potential evapotranspiration in the area and available water capacity, the water balances were worked out for these benchmark soils. These indicated that parts of the district have three growing periods viz. 154, 184 and 215 days. Growing period zones with similar growing environment (soil and climate) were delineated. Considering the present land use, soil and climatic information, new land use options for each zone have been suggested.
Benchmark soils, land resources, growing period zones
