Journal of the Indian Society of Soil Science

SCOPUS
  • Year: 2011
  • Volume: 59
  • Issue: 3

Land Classification Employing Integrated Bio-physical Approach for Sustainable Land Use

  • Author:
  • Debashis Mandal, V. N. Sharda1
  • Total Page Count: 6
  • DOI:
  • Page Number: 218 to 223

Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute, 218, Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun, 248195, Uttarakhand

*Corresponding author (Email: demichael@rediffmail.com)

1Present address: Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board, KAB-I, Pusa, New Delhi, 110 012

Online published on 9 May, 2012.

Abstract

An integrated bio-physical approach, taking into account a productivity index (PI) and erosion risk index (ERI), was deployed for the quantitative evaluation of land in Doon valley of India. The results indicated that the productivity index varied between 0. 19 and 0. 77 i. e. medium to very high inherent productivity. The productivity index (PI) was mainly affected by changes in available water content followed by soil depth, bulk density and pH. The erosion risk (ERI) was strongly affected by slope gradient and rainfall aggressiveness. In general, high and very high erosion risk was found (ERI varied between 0. 39 to 0. 85). A comprehensive erosion hazard management strategy was suggested for efficient management of present and future erosion debacle in the area.

Keywords

Erosion risk index (ERI), productivity index (PI), land classification, soil conservation planning, sustainable soil use