Development of Integrated Land Use Plan for Upper Brahmaputra Valley under Rain-fed Ecosystem: A Case Study in Jorhat District, Assam

Abstract

An attempt was made to develop land use plan ror Upper Brahmaputra Valley Region in Assam under rain-fed ecosystem. A tribal village named, Upar Deurigaon in Jorhat district of Assam was selected for the investigation. Land resource inventorying was carried out in the village. Two soil series were identified along with three phases as mapping units. The soil site suitability was assessed for rabi-crops grown in the study area. Interpretation offarm level sodo-economic data helped in recognizing problems and potentials ofthe study area and the opportunities for rabi-cropping with adequate agronomic measures. However, the classical method of land suitability assessment was not adequately efficient to understand site specific limitations ofsoil parameters for crop growth. Study of soil-crop relationship with soil parameters viz., pH and texture against crop yield data showed statistically significant relationship. Slightly acidic to neutral soils with silt loam phase produced significant improvement in yield of mustard and pea, whereas, strongly acidic soils with loamy sand to sandy loam phases showed significant yield of cabbage and potato. Agricultural land use plan was developed by effective planning of rabi-crops forthe region.