Land Resource Inventorization (LRI) for Farm Level Land Use Planning – A Case Study in Upper Gangetic Plains

Land resource inventorization, soil resource characterization for farm level planning was carried out in block level studies in Haryana as a case as a case study in upper Gangetic plains to impart site-specific detailed information for land use planning. Upper Gangetic plains dominantly comprise of plain lands along with, gently sloping upland plains, and old alluvial plain with concave relief and affected by adjoining topography of adjoin areas. The Land resource characterization was undertaken by adopting latest Geospatial techniques using Satellite data (IRS-P6, LISS-IV) interpretation in conjunction with legacy data and cadastral maps,, identified broad physiographic units and generated base map for soil survey and mapping. Eleven soil series along with eighteen mapping units were identified as phases of soils series in six broad physiographic units. Soil-physiographic relationship was established during detailed soil resource mapping. Soils occur on old alluvial plain are very deep, well drained to moderately well drained, calcareous, loam/clay loam and classified as Fine loamy, Typic Haplustepts /Typic Haplustalfs, while on old alluvial plain with high water table (Salt affected soils) are very deep, imperfectly to poorly drained, calcareous, clay loam, saline-sodic in nature (Fine loamy, NatricHaplustepts/ Typic Halaquepts). Soils on very gently sloping reclaimed sand dunes are sandy/loamy sand, excessively to somewhat drained (Typic Ustipsamments). Soils were characterized, classified for their constraints/potentials and suitability for different uses were identified. The majority of soils are moderately alkaline, slightly saline, high in lime content, and low to medium in available nutrients. Salinity/sodicity, drainage, erosion and low fertility are the major constraints in the region. Resource database generated were interpreted and integrated in Geographical Information System (GIS) for several thematic information viz., landform, land use/land cover, soils, drainage, particle size, and soil salinity/sodicity. Suitable land use options were suggested for each parcel of land by considering its constraints/potentialities. Village level site-specific database was generated for farm planning which could be easily applicable for land use and management strategies in similar area of upper Gangetic plain.