Classification and Characterization of Landscapes in the Territory of Adilabad District, Telangana, Deccan Region, India

Abstract

We are in the Anthropocene and recent studies have revealed that conventional land management strategies diminished natural landscapes and created anthropogenic ones. The classification and characterization of landscapes, therefore, provide a mechanism for quantifying anthropogenic changes to the landscape systems in the Anthropocene. This study was aimed at classifying and characterizing landscapes in the territory of Adilabad District, Telangana, Deccan region, India, which was selected as the area of case study. It was a multi-method approach, where ecogeographic and environmental data were gathered using user/visual-based approach, while socio-economic data were gathered through direct observations, interviews, focus group discussions, questionnaires and literature surveys. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study was undertaken by National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Regional Station, Rajendranagar in collaboration with Vegetable Research Station, Rajendranagar during 2010-2012. In the District, a very wide range of land use types was observed. In the last 60 years, the District's landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation and fragmentation as a consequence of anthropogenic activities like deforestation, agriculture expansion, intensive agriculture, transport infrastructure, urbanization, trade, tourism and recreation. The results revealed that there is a growing body of evidence supporting the hypothesis that the geographical space, which is a mosaic of natural and anthropogenic landscapes (semi-natural and artificial landscapes), is limited in the District. Hills, valleys, forests, rivers, streams, waterfalls and lakes were certain natural landscapes with little or no human impact found in the District. Traditional land management strategies including burning and clearing practiced by indigenous tribal communities, the na- 2/38OALib Journal tive inhabitants of the area, have diminished natural landscapes and created semi-natural and artificial landscapes. Complex interactions between humans and nature resulted in a rich amalgam of anthropogenic landscapes and new ecosystems and habitats were created in urban, rural and tribal areas. The artificial landscapes are classified into three main categories: urban, rural and tribal landscapes based on the dominant human societies inhabiting them in the District. Our study identifies the same importance to all types of landscapes: thus natural, semi-natural, tribal, rural, urban landscapes are the key factors in cultural identity of the District. Our work on landscape analysis as a tool for the strategic assessment of the case study area enabled us to use user/visual-based approach based on the assessment of the visual fields of the District.

Dual-Purpose Sorghum: A Targeted Sustainable Crop-Livestock Intervention for the Smallholder Subsistence Farming Communities of Adilabad, India

“…To understand the farming system in Adilabad, secondary district-and mandal-level data from Central and State Government reports, peer-reviewed publications, and publicly available documents were extracted for collating statistics related to demography, agricultural status and socio-economic metrics (Kumar, 2010;NAIP Project Report, 2012;Sivaraj et al, 2012;Pandravada et al, 2013;Adilabad District Report, 2016;Reddy et al, 2017;Kumar et al, 2018;NITI Aayog Report, 2018;Telangana Districts Profile Report, 2018;Task Force Report, 2019). In addition, an ex-ante household survey was conducted with tribal farmer families in Utnoor mandal 2 in the years 2018-20.…”

Classification, Characterization and Comparison of Aquatic Ecosystems in the Landscape of Adilabad District, Telangana, Deccan Region, India

“…The varied edaphic, climatic and topographic conditions have resulted in a wide range of ecosystems and habitats such as forests, grasslands and wetlands. This study area differs markedly in their human colonization history [47]. Adilabad District lies within the tropical deciduous belt which occupies 43.9% of total geographic area of the District [48].…”

“…The study was based on a review of available data on aquatic ecosystems in the District, discussions with key personnel, a week day reconnaissance survey over the study area during the pre-and post-monsoon season and a week day field visit during the dry season (2010-11). The process of studying the nature and extent of aquatic resources vis-à-vis aquatic ecosystems has involved collating data and information from a variety of sources [47] [52] [53]. The process of classifying, characterizing and comparing aquatic ecosystems has involved collating data and information through reconnaissance surveys, field visits and other sources.…”