Appraisal of Spatial Distribution of Degraded Lands Using Geo-spatial Techniques

ABSTRACT

Space borne satellite data and GIS tool were effectively used in modeling, mapping, and monitoring of degraded lands. The hybrid techniques based-visual interpretation of LISS III on 1:50,000 scale followed by real time ground truth approach were identified sheet erosion (80028.21 ha), gullied (25193.62 ha), ravine nous lands severe (26710.84 ha), ravine nous lands deep to deep moderate (27483.00 ha), salt affected soils (4498.63 ha) and barren rocky land (124.94 ha). The highest area occupied in Sabalgarh 42.0% followed by Joura 38.62%, Porasa 34.25%, Kailaras 28.53%, Morena 25.21% and 21.30% in Ambah tehsil. Overall, 164070.67 ha areas were found under-degraded lands by showing 32.93% of total study area (498917 ha). From the results, it was also indicated that the sheet and gullied severely degraded areas primarily distribute in Ambah, Joura, Kailaras, Morena, Porsa, and Sabalgarh, respectively. The sheet and gullied degraded land occupied 16.06 and 5.06% areas occupied of whole districts. Similarly, the ravines-moderate deep to very deep extremely degradation area accounts for 3.75, 5.21, 4.46, 15.95 and 5.26%, in Ambaha, Joura, Morena, Porsa and Sabalgarh tehsil, respectively, while 5.52% areas in whole districts. Saline Sodic-slightly and moderately degraded area was distributed 0.28, 4.02, 1.78 and 0.35% in Joura, Kailaras, Morena and Sabalgarh tehsils which covered 0.90% area of the in whole district. The extent and geographical distribution of degraded lands were identified in a cost effective manner using remotely sensed data and information on degraded lands used as an input for future planning, reclamation, and conservation programs.

KEYWORDS:

• Remote sensing
• GIS
• degraded lands
• ravine nous land
• land use
• salt affected soil