Introduction:

Accurate information on nature, extent and potential of soil resources is essential for optimal utilization of the resource for sustainable development. Study of soil resources at large scale mapping using Satellite Imagery has proved to be quite useful as it reduces time and man power required when compared to gathering information through ground surveys.

Objectives:

1. Preparation of soil resource maps of Six districts of Telangana namely Warangal Rural, Warangal Urban, Jangoan, Mahabubabad, Siddipet and Yadadri Bhuvanagiri Districts at 1:10000 Scale using IRS LISS- IV satellite data, soil profile studies, and analysis of soil samples.
2. Creation of digital soil data base for the six districts in GIS environment.

Methodology:

Methodology of soil resource mapping involves the following steps:
1. Step-1:Development of Legend.
2. Step-2:Pre-field Interpretation for delineation of soil mapping units by using Lithology,Physiography, Slope and Land Use/Land Cover information and development of pre field legend. Selection of sample sites.
3. Step-3:Ground Truth collection including profile studies and collection of soil samples.
4. Step-4:Soil sample analysis.
5. Step-5:Finalization of classification, Post field Interpretation and Map finalization.

Development of Legend:

Formulation of Soil Mapping Unit through Six Level Study as per SLUSI Standards.
1. Level-1: Landscape
2. Level-2: Physiographic
3. Level-3: Slope
4. Level-4: Land Use
5. Level-5: Association of Soil Series
6. Level-6: Soil Phases:Each mapping unit is subdivided based on image character to represent a set of soil characteristics like Soil depth and Surface texture, Erosion, Slope and stoniness with in Soil Series and Associations of Soil Series. Details of soil characteristics and their classes required for establishing Soil Phases are as follows:

Deliverables:

1. Soil data base creation of Six Districts namely Warangal Rural, Warangal Urban, Jangoan, Mahabubabad, Siddipet and Yadadri Bhuvanagiri Districts at 1:10000 Scale.
2. Land Capability, Land Irrigability and Crop Suitable maps at 1:10000 Scale
3. Soil Survey Reports

Sponsored by:

Soil & Land Use Survey of India, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, INM, Government of India, IARI Buildings, PUSA, New Delhi