Characterization and Evaluation of Soils of Singanallur Watershed Using Remote Sensing and GIS

Abstract

Watershed is an ideal unit calling for multidisciplinary approach to the resources management for ensuring continuous benefit on sustainable basis. Land Resource mapping plays a vital role in resource management. A detailed soil survey is planned for the singanallure micro watershed, Kollegal taluk, Chamaraj nagar distrist karnataka,by using cadastral map overlaid on Cartosat-1(ortho corrected) + LISS IV image as a base to characterize and classify the land resources. Based on morphological, physical and chemical characteristics three physiographic units were identified based on elevation and slope namely gentelysloping lands (3-5%) very gently sloping lands (1-3%) and nearly level lands (0-1%). Six soil series are identified and further delineated 25 management units. Taxonomically, these soil series were grouped under Alfisols (Typic Rhodoustalfs and Rhodic Paleustalfs) and Inceptisols (Typic Haplustepts). The site evaluation of the soils showed that nearly 50 per cent of the watershed area is highly suitable for Ragi, Maize onion turmeric and banana. More than 70 per cent area is moderately to marginally suitable for Red gram and goundnut due texture limitation. Different land use options and suitable interventions were suggested based on the potentials and limitations of the watershed area.