Spatial distribution of grasslands through remote sensing with implications in their yield management in a coastal arid part of India.

摘要

The occurrence and spatial distribution of grasslands were assessed vis-a-vis their infestation by mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) in the coastal arid district of Jamnagar in the northwestern part of Gujarat, India, using satellite data for their optimal utilization. Data revealed that natural grasslands are scattered throughout the district. Some of the best grasslands are however, found in the southeastern half of the district. The natural grasslands occur on the following habitats: (i) open grassland (200 292.50 ha or 14.18% of the district area) including reserve and non-reserved vidis; (ii) grasslands under tree cover (22 176.25 ha); (iii) saline grassland (4520 ha); (iv) reserved forest (26 696.25 ha); (v) mangrove forest (18 080 ha); and (vi) agriculture (720 375 ha). It was revealed that revealed that overall accuracy of classification is 88% and mapping accuracy is 81%. Estimates of herbage yield revealed possibility of its doubling by removing P. juliflora and reseeding these sites. Protection of open and degraded grasslands without P. juliflora could also increase the herbage yield by more than three times. Knowledge of grassland extent and their yield status thus allowed their management for optimizing forage yield..