Land evaluation for land use planning of a micro watershed in Vidarbha Region of Maharashtra

Fourteen pedons were selected based on the variation in the soil-site characteristics and studied for production potential and land use planning of Belura watershed in Akola district of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. The data were interpreted using qualitative and quantitative methods of land evaluation. The qualitative methods included USDA land capability classification and FAO land suitability classification while the quantitative evaluation methods included Storie Index Rating and Riquier's parametric approach. The results obtained by land evaluation methods indicate the information on production potential of soils, which provide a basis for comparison among different soils. The soils of study area were classified into capability classes II, III, IV and VI. The land suitability evaluation revealed that the soils of the study area grouped under Typic Haplusterts and Vertic Haplustepts were found to be moderately suitable for cotton, sorghum and pigeonpea while those grouped under Typic Haplustepts and Typic Ustorthents were marginally suitable to unsuitable for cotton and pigeonpea. The FAO land suitability evaluation revealed the suitability of soils for sorghum, cotton and pigeonpea with the degree of limitations for specific use. Riquier's parametric approach was found to be a good indicator of production potential of soils. The results obtained in present investigation may be useful to suggest the capability and suitability of soils for some important rainfed crops like sorghum, cotton and pigeonpea for efficient soil based agro-technology transfer for better harvest of these crops on similar soils under similar agroclimatic conditions elsewhere.