Application of Remote Sensing in Characterization and Mapping of Soil Resources for Sustainable Development

A study was carried out to characterize and classify the soils of Lower Palar-Manimuthar watershed, Tamil Nadu State using satellite data on 1:50,000 scale and to evaluate soils for their capability, productivity and suitability for agricultural crops. Ten soil series were recognised in the study area and they were classified as Entisols, Inceptisols and Alfisols. The soils were grouped under the land capability classes II, III, IV and V with soil and erosion as major limitation. Soil suitability for different land utilization types (LUT) were also assessed. The potential LUTs for each soil were suggested keeping into account the productivity index. Based on the major limitations, suitability to crops and productivity rating were calculated and these were integrated in GIS to generate action plan for sustainable development.