Soil degradations in the IGP of central Haryana, India–a spatial assessment for reclamation and management

• Published in: Environmental monitoring and assessment 2022-11, Vol.194 (11), p.835-835, Article 835
• Main Author: Mandal, Arup Kumar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agriculture; Anthropogenic factors; Atmospheric Protection/Air Quality Control/Air Pollution; Barren lands; Calcium carbonate; Chemical analysis; Earth and Environmental Science; Ecology; Ecotoxicology; Energy absorption; Environment; Environmental Management; Environmental monitoring; Environmental science; Groundwater; Groundwater quality; Groundwater table; Gypsum; Industrial effluents; Industrial wastes; Industrial wastewater; Irrigated areas; Irrigation; Kilns; Monitoring/Environmental Analysis; Partial stabilization; Reclamation; Remote sensing; Salinity; Salinity effects; Salinization; Salts; Soil; Soil analysis; Soil chemistry; Soil conservation; Soil degradation; Soil layers; Soil management; Soil salinity; Soil water; Soils; Spectral signatures; Subsurface drainage; Surface drainage; Water quality; Water table; Waterlogging
• ISSN: 0167-6369; 1573-2959
• DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10508-8

Natural and anthropogenic processes are primary drivers for soil degradations in the Gangetic plain of India. Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) data was used to assess soil degradations and study spatial changes comparing with the legacy datasets. Based on the nature, extent, and degrees of limitations, these soils were evaluated to suggest suitable reclamation and management options. Typical strong signature (white tones) from a barren highly salinized soil (P3, P6, P9, P11, and P15) and higher energy absorption (blue-black tones) from a permanent waterlogged surface (P13, P14, P10) in the irrigated areas have favored delineation of salt-affected, strong, and permanent waterlogged areas. Moderate and slightly salt-affected soils (P1, P2, P4, P5, P7, P8, and P12) and the areas with high water table depths (P13 and P14) have shown mixed spectral signatures for associations of soil, water, and crops and were mapped using ground truth and soil chemical analysis data. Irrigation with poor quality ground water (RSC: 1.2 to 12.3 me L −1 ) has prompted developing salinity and sodicity in P2, P5, and P11, while irrigation in poorly drained areas caused appearance of waterlogging (WTD  1.5 m) in P14. Soils with CaCO 3 layers at shallow depth in P3 (0.7–4.2%), P6 (1.2–7.1%), P9 (8–16%), P11 (4–15%), and P13 (0.9–9.4%) were managed using forest plantations. Ground water with high SAR in T1 to T7 can be applied for agriculture using mixing or cyclic mode. Water with high RSC in T4, T5, T7, T8, T9, and T10 needs treatment with gypsum. A significant area (~ 24.87%) of salt-affected soils was reclaimed since 1971. Prominent changes (3.27 to 17.71%) were shown in Panipat and Karnal districts. Small areas of brick kiln (P11), industrial effluent (P10), riverine sand, partially stabilized dunes, and mining have appeared due to anthropogenic activities.