Mapping of Biophysical Constraints of Soils in Semi-Arid Northern Transition Zone of India by GIS Techniques

摘要

The present study was undertaken in order to identify and map soil biophysical constraints by using FAO Visual Soil and Field Assessment Methodology and GIS techniques in Singhanhalli-Bogur microwatershed in northern transition zone of Karnataka. Ten biophysical soil parameter including depth, coarse fragment/stoniness, texture, structure, tillage pan, rooting condition, surface crust, organic matter, biological activity and sodicity were assessed and interpreted for soil health. Overall, soil health status varied from poor (31.1 % of the entire study area) to medium (68.9 % of the total study area) with the level of constraints ranging from severe to moderate, respectively. Soils with severe constraints showed poor health status while soils with moderate constraints showed medium health status.