Land suitability analysis for cereal production in Himachal Pradesh (India) using Geographical Information System

Abstract

Land suitability analysis is prerequisite for sustainable agriculture and it plays a pivotal role in the niche based agricultural planning in mountain regions. In this paper different parameters viz. climatic (precipitation and temperature), topographic (elevation), soil type and land cover/land use have been used in order to perform land suitability evaluation for cereals food-grain crops in Himachal Pradesh using Geographic Information System (GIS). The suitability analysis was performed by digital processing of geo-referenced data (elevation, climate, soil and landcover) and calculating potential production areas by combining different types of geographical data through decision rules framed for each crop in ArcView spatial analyst. Suitable areas have been delineated for cereal crops in the form of land suitability maps. In comparison to the actual area under cereal crops, the possibility of further expansion under each cereal crop was determined. These discriminated areas appear suitable for growing these crops and can be harnessed efficiently for achieving long term sustainability and food security.

A Study on Land Suitability for Rice Cultivation in Khordha District of Odisha (India) Using Remote Sensing and GIS

“…The 'soil properties' are significantly affected by LULC changes and result in land degradation, which consequently led to a decline in soil productivity (Biro et al 2013). In order to perform the land suitability analysis for a crop cultivation, changes in LULC need to be analysed besides soil nutrient parameters and few relevant meteorological variables using remote sensing and GIS (Geographic Information System) techniques (Bhagat et al 2009;Gumma et al 2009;Kihoro et al 2013;Kuria et al 2011;Samanta et al 2011).…”

“…Several researchers all over the world adopted remote sensing and GIS-based techniques not only for rice cultivation (Dengiz 2013;Gumma et al 2009;Kihoro et al 2013;Kuria et al 2011;Samanta et al 2011) but also for other crops (Bhagat et al 2009). Satellites in recent years have emerged as a vital tool for generating the biophysical information (e.g.…”

“…The digitally processed remotely sensed LULC from moderate resolution imaging spectrometer (MODIS) was used in global, regional and local level studies by several researchers (Friedl et al 2002;Hansen et al 2000;Wessel et al 2004). Satellite data from Indian remote sensing satellites (IRS series) including RESOURCESAT-1 (IRS P6) and 2 in recent times are quite useful in agriculturerelated studies that involve LULC change analysis in Indian context (Bhagat et al 2009;Choudhury et al 2006;Devi and Kumar 2008;Kumar et al 2013;Sathish and Niranjana 2010). These satellites have sensors like LISS III, LISS IV and AWiFS, which have better spectral and radiometric resolutions and are capable of covering larger area so that the acquired information can be helpful for all agricultural studies.…”

“…Over India, very few studies have been carried out in this direction. One of such studies done by Bhagat et al (2009) focused on Himachal Pradesh region and carried out the land suitability analysis for cereal production using GIS techniques. However, there was hardly any study available, which used the remote sensing and GIS techniques in order to perform land suitability analysis for rice cultivation.…”

Ecological Zoning for Wheat Production at Province Scale Using Geographical Information System

“…Elevation, slope, aspect, soil, land cover and many climatic factors that affect crop growth, help in determining the most suitable crop growth areas. The process of land suitability classification is the evaluation and grouping of specific areas of land in terms of their suitability for a defined use [2].…”