Characterization and Evaluation of Land Resources for Watershed Management in Vidarbha Region of Maharashtra using RS and GIS

Characterization and evaluation of land resources of Taroda watershed was carried out using IRS-1D LISS-III and IRS-P6 LISS-IV data. Five major physiographic units namely plateau (1–3% slope), escarpment (815% slope), isolated hillock (15–30% slope), pediment (1–3% and 3–8% slope) and valley (0–1% slope) were identified. Visual interpretation of satellite data indicated that 54.8% of the total geographical area (TGA) is under cultivation followed by wasteland with scrub (22.7%) and degraded forest (21.1%). Nine soil series were tentatively identified. The soils of plateau, escarpment and isolated hillock are very shallow (Lithic Ustorthents/Typic Ustorthents), soils of pediment are shallow (Typic Ustorthents/Typic Haplustepts) whereas, soils of valley are moderately deep to very deep (Vertic Haplustepts/Typic Haplusterts). Higher finer fractions of soil separates with concomitant higher moisture retention, available water capacity and cation exchange capacity were observed in soils of lower reaches compared to that of upper reaches of the watershed. The soils of valley are moderately to highly suitable whereas, soils of plateau and pediments are marginally to not suitable for growing cotton and sorghum. An action plan has been prepared with suggested land use and appropriate interventions which might help in better management of land resources for sustained productivity.