Delineating resource management domains of Yavatmal district using geospatial tools

Abstract

The integration of biophysical resources and socio-economic information to form resource management domains indicating similar potential, constraints, and socio-economic status is accepted as an approach for science-based decision-making in land use and other related resource management. A case study of agriculturally worst-hit Yavatmal district in the Maharashtra state of India is presented here. Rural livelihood resources (data on soil, water, land use land cover) were analyzed and related to the population (density, distribution) and poverty (below poverty line population). Soil information included data on a 1:50,000 scale, while water resources (groundwater recharge potential zones and surface runoff potential) were assessed for different administrative blocks (development unit). A resource index was derived by overlaying the thematic layers of soil fertility, water holding capacity (WHC), land use land cover, water resources, and socio-economic parameters. Resource management domains were delineated based on the index. Sixteen blocks of the district showed varied potential underpinned by the combined effect of available resources and their status. The domains are recommended for use in decision-making especially for preparing watershed development plans.