GIS APPLICATION IN MAPPING OF SALINE LANDS IN SUGARCANE CULTIVATION AREAS A STUDY OF SELECTED VILLAGES ON RIGHT BANK OF UJANI RESERVOIR, IN INDAPUR TAHSIL, MAHARASHTRA. Gajanan Dhobale Assistant Professor, Dept. of Geography, Arts, Science and Commerce College, Indapur, Dist. Pune Dr. Sunil Gaikwad Associate Professor, Post Graduate Teaching and Research Centre, Dept. of Geography, S. P. College, Pune, India. ABSTRACT Intensive farming practices particularly with sugarcane producing areas in India have virtually mined nutrients from the soil, as well as these lands are subjected to intensive agriculture has also led to extensive area under irrigation. In India, irrigated area has doubled over four decades, from 19% to 38% of the net sown area. (G. Mythiu 1995). In proper use and maintenance of canal irrigation has contributed significantly to the problem of soil degradation. Extension of canal irrigation to arid and semi arid areas have resulted in water logging and salinization. Salt affected land in irrigated agriculture at large has become a routine picture of degraded agricultural lands where agricultural productivity is declined and cannot be retrieved. The area under study forms the parts of western Maharashtra and occupies its position in lower Bhima basin. The study area comprises watershed namely BM. 66 and BM 78 (GSDA), and covers the basin of river of Bhima Total study area of sample villages is 44.90 sq. km. Present study attempts to highlight the problem of salinization in the eastern part of Indapur tahsil in Pune district of Maharashtra. The study area is a group of five representative villages in the command area of Karmayogi Shankarrao Patil co- operative sugar factory situated in Indapur tahsil. It is observed that the land is degrading at a faster rate in terms of its spatial coverage as well as to its vertical dimension. Key words: GIS, saline, cultivation INTRODUCTION India supports approximately 16% of the world s population and 20% of its livestock on 2.5% of its geographical area. This pressure on land has led to its deterioration soil erosion, water logging, salinization, nutrient depletion, lowering of groundwater tables, and soil pollution largely caused by human interventions. Water erosion accounts for 45.3% of the total land area, chemical deterioration 4.2%, wind erosion 4.1%, physical deterioration 3.5% and 5.5% is not fit for agriculture and this is likely to continue land under soil erosion rising from 166.0 million hectares (mha) in 1997 to 189.0 mha in 2019; water-logging, 12.7 to 22.3 mha and salinity, 11.0 to 15.1 mha (Narayan and Ram Babu, 1983). Intensive farming practices particularly with sugarcane producing areas in India have virtually mined nutrients from the soil, as well as these lands are subjected to intensive agriculture has also led to extensive area under irrigation. In India, irrigated area has doubled over four decades, from 19% to 38% of the net sown area. (G. Mythiu 1995). In proper use and maintenance of canal irrigation has contributed significantly to the problem of soil Vol. 2, No. 4, Oct. - Dec., 2014 www.researchfront.in 63
degradation. Extension of canal irrigation to arid and semi arid areas have resulted in water logging and salinization. The saline soils have excessive concentration of natural soluble salts, mainly of chlorides, sulphates and carbonates of calcium, magnesium and sodium. Irrigation water contains a high concentration of soluble salts; particularly sodium salts which lead to salinity In Maharashtra particularly western Maharashtra is a rain shadow zone known to be an economically backward region before the development of irrigational facilities followed by plantation of sugarcane. Due to co-operative management, there was a fast growth of sugar factories in this zone. This zone at present is called as a sugar belt. Construction of dams and development of canal irrigation and well irrigation has helped to increase the area under sugarcane cultivation particularly in western Maharashtra. Less effort, sure markets less danger of disease were some of the important reasons to change conventional land use pattern to cash crops. The immediate effect was the decline in the food grain production, mainly jawar, bajra, wheat etc. and in the long run, this being a perennial crop needs more water so the water budget was put under stress pressure. Over irrigation definitely affected the fertility status of soils, e.g. Kolhapur, Sangali, Satara, and Pune district of Maharashtra in sugar belt area the soil environment has disturbed and becoming useless. This is resulted into a rapid decline in yield. (Sunil Gaikwad 2002). OBJECTIVES 1. Delineation and mapping of salt affected areas using G.I.S. techniques. 2. To ascertain the effect of sugarcane cultivation and over irrigation on the quality of soil. 3. To make favourable suggestions to improve the soil quality and increase productivity. STUDY AREA The study area is group of five representative villages in the command area of Karmyogi Shankarrao Patil Co-operative Sugar Factory in eastern part of the Indapur tahsil in Pune district. These are extends from 18 0 7 39ˮ to 18 0 13 14ˮ north latitudes and 75 0 02 0ˮ to 75 0 07 3ˮ east longitudes (Fig. 1). These five villages are situated in north-east part in Indapur tahsil district of Pune Maharashtra state on 44.90 square kilometers area and have 5888 population in 2011. The region falls under scarcity zone having rainfall between 500 to 600 mm. Monsoon generally commence in June, occurring highest rainfall in June (289 mm) and lowest in April (3 mm). The highest mean temperature is observed in May (38 0 centigrade) and lowest in December (12 0 centigrade). Fig. 1 Location map Vol. 2, No. 4, Oct. - Dec., 2014 www.researchfront.in 64
The slope of region is towards east. There are three soil types, namely, coarse shallow, medium black and deep black soils occupying 30, 40 and 30 percent respectively. The study area is mainly irrigated and that is why the soil is a very important natural resources. The net sown area covered cent percent of the total reported area of the study region. This area is very much known for their cropping pattern in irrigated agriculture. Almost the entire cropping system has changed in last three decades. The traditional crops almost replaced by the cash crops like sugarcane. The area under study forms the part of western Maharashtra and occupies its position in middle Bhima Basin. The study area comprises watershed namely BM. 66 and BM 78 (GSDA), and covers the basin of river Bhima. Table: 1 Area of sample village Sr. No. Village Area Km 2 Hectare 1 Shirsodi 11.88 1188 2 Padsthal 10.97 1097 3 Ajoti 8.09 809 4 Pimpri Bk. 5.40 540 5 Sugaon 8.56 856 Total 44.90 4490 Source: Census of India 2011 DATABASE AND METHODOLOGY Data pertaining to soil properties have been collected directly by performing soil surveys in the field, which is helped in the understanding the quality of soil and severity of the problem. Representative samples from villages under consideration has been collected and analyzed in the laboratory. Every sample location has been noted in GPS survey which later used to transfer soil sample locations in base map. In order to undertake the present study a detail plan of fieldwork has been prepared, which involves the GPS survey. In addition to this, using questionnaire farmers were interviewed to ascertain the problem of salinization in the study area. Base map have been prepared from S.O.I sheet No. 47 N/4 at 1: 50,000 scale. Various thematic maps have also been prepared to indicate the priority areas for reclamation of agricultural lands. Remote sensing with G.I.S application has performed to delineate, and map the saline lands respectively. All mapping of the study area used the G.I.S. software namely Global Mapper, Surfer (Demo Version), Auto cad map, etc. CAUSES OF SALINE SOILS IN THE STUDY AREA OVER IRRIGATION From the extensive field survey, it was observed that, there is general tendency amongst the farmers of the study area to supply more water to the sugarcane crops as well as others crops also. It is to be noted that; maintenance of suitable moisture environment in the Vol. 2, No. 4, Oct. - Dec., 2014 www.researchfront.in 65
soil is no doubt the main use of irrigation water. However, this principle seems to be violated everywhere in the irrigated area. This excess water in the soil that also leads to exceeding the drainage capacity has finally resulted in the water logging of the soil. As a result, there is an increase in the rate of evaporation causing concentration of salts thereby leading to salinization. CHANGES IN CROPPING PATTERN Landuse pattern of the study area can be classified into two major types based on irrigation facilities. These are: 1. Non- irrigated area- include upland topographic zone. 6.4% moisture in soil. The range of ph is also high below 25% depth of soil i.e. up to 11.0. The highest ph is recorded in eastern parts of village Pimpri Kh and western part of study area organic carbon is very low. 2. Irrigated area- confined to flat terrain, proximity to river Intensive irrigated agriculture landuse is developed along the valley floor areas of river Bhima. In these areas, high value crops like sugarcane and corn followed by vegetables like tomato, ladyfinger and bringle etc. have dictated the application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides causing changes in the soil. The barren land is observed in this area. However, in small patches along the watercourses the irrigated agriculture with modern technology is practiced. The cultivation of monoculture long duration crop like sugarcane has locally led to salinization. Soil ph Soil ph indicates the hydrogen ion activity of soil solution or growth media. The number expresses the degree of acidity or alkalinity in terms similar to the way heat and cold are expressed in degrees of Centigrade or Fahrenheit. Soil ph is one of a number of environmental conditions that affect the quality of plant growth. A slightly acid soil is desirable for most vegetables. With some exceptions, a soil ph of from 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for good plant growth. The major impact of ph extremes on plant growth is related to the availability of plant nutrients and the soil concentration of plant toxic elements. Adjustments can be made in ph values by the application of amendments to the soil. Finely ground agricultural limestone most frequently is used to decrease soil acidity and increase ph. If ph is too high, elemental sulfur, concentrated sulfuric acid or aluminum sulfate can be added to the soil to decrease alkalinity (Fig. 2). Electrical conductivity (EC) The electrical conductivity (EC) is a measure of the ionic transport in a solution between the anode and cathode. This means, the EC is normally considered to be a measurement of the dissolved salts in a solution (Fig. 2). Organic carbon/organic matter Organic matter estimation in the soil can be done by different methods. Loss of weight on ignition can be used as a direct measure of the organic matter contained in the soil. It can also be expressed as the content of organic carbon in the soil. It is generally assumed Vol. 2, No. 4, Oct. - Dec., 2014 www.researchfront.in 66
that on an average organic matter contains about 58% organic carbon. Soil organic matter content can be used as an index of N availability (Fig. 2). Nitrogen Nitrogen is the basic nutrient and makes up 1-4% of day weight of plants and it forms chlorophyll, amino acids, proteins, alkaloids and protoplasm. When the plant takes up large quantities of nitrogen from the soil, the colour of the plant changes to dark-green indicating the increase of chlorophyll in the plant. When there is less uptake of nitrogen, the leaves remain small and pale-yellow in colour. As the level of nitrogen supply it helps in seed formation and increases the food and feed value of crops. But when the crop plants become more succulent due to larger availability of nitrogen they become susceptible to pests and diseases (Fig. 2). Phosphorus It is a constituent of the cell nucleus, essential for cell division and the development of meristematic tissues at the growing points. It makes 0.1 to 0.5% of dry weight of the plant. Therefore, plants which cannot absorb adequate quantities of phosphorus from the soil have small root system and leaves, and their growth is stunted. Phosphorus is particularly helpful in the production of legumes, as it increases the activity of nodular bacteria which fix nitrogen in the soil. It aids the formation of seeds and fruits, particularly in the legumes. It stimulates early root growth and development (Fig. 2). Vol. 2, No. 4, Oct. - Dec., 2014 www.researchfront.in 67
Potassium Fig. 2 Distribution of soil properties Unlike nitrogen and phosphorus, potassium is not a constituent of the carbohydrates, oils, fats and proteins, the substances which form the fabric of the plants. But it plays a vital role in the formation or synthesis of amino acids and proteins from ammonium ions which are absorbed from the soil. When potassium is in short supply the carbon dioxide is synthesized into sugars more slowly than when it is available in optimum quantity. The stalks and stems (of plants) are more stiff when an adequate supply is available than otherwise. In consequence the lodging in cereals is reduced. It increases the plumpness of the grains. In general it imparts vigour and resistance to diseases (Fig. 2). DISCUSSION The cropping pattern in the study area rapidly changing in food grains are replaced by cash crops. The overuse of irrigation water, practicing of monoculture (sugarcane) type of cropping pattern and enhanced use of chemical fertilizers have started showing adverse effect on the fertile status of soils in the study area. Physical and chemical properties of which are indicative of the problems of the degradation of the quality of the soils. An attempt made to analyze the soil samples clearly indicate that the value of total soluble salts and ph are far above the critical limits. This has resulted into low yield/ha in case of sugarcane plantation. The distribution maps in case of Na, P, K shows more or less similar patterns of variations and are thus, focusing on severity of the problem. Vol. 2, No. 4, Oct. - Dec., 2014 www.researchfront.in 68
CONCLUSIONS 1. It can be revealed from the result of soil analysis that, in the study area, the problem of soil degradation due to salinization is a net effect of over irrigation in last two decades. 2. Sugarcane is being cultivated since irrigation has introduced in the study area. All traditional crops have been replaced by sugarcane cultivation which requires high amount of water led to over irrigation. 3. Crop yield data examined for last ten years and the yield of sugarcane clearly shows the decrease in the yield of sugarcane due to degradation of soil environment. 4. The salts concentration on surface and subsurface soil environment thus leads to decrease in uptake capability of plants and therefore reduces the overall productivity of soils which is evident in the form of decrease in the yield in last decade. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. A specific dimensional channel has to be initiated considering the overall slope of the land. This will help in enrichment of the good drainage system and will help in reclaiming the land for cultivation. 2. There is necessity of crop rotation, moderate irrigation and traditional managing for reclamation of Chopan saline soils. Network of open trenches with respect to slopes, will also be helpful in draining. 3. It seems, over irrigation is the main cause of soil salinization therefore; there is no substitute for drip irrigation. This will ultimately help in increasing of productivity of land. 4. There should be monitoring of the factory on quality of soils. Soil survey and soil mapping should be undertaken every year to suggest the remedial measures. 5. The farmers have to pay more attention on water management on a priority basis, for this purpose a sugar factory has to arrange some workshops for farmers and make them familiar with the innovative techniques. 6. There should be proper management of the crushing capacity of the factory and the area under sugarcane, there has to be coordination between these two major links and thus delaying of sugarcane crushing can be avoided. REFERENCES: 1. Agarwal R. R., Yadav J. S. P. & Gupta R. N. (1982): Saline and Alkali Soils of India, ICAR, New Delhi, P286 2. Bansil P.G. (2004): Water Management in India, Concept pub. Compony, New Delhi. Pp 154-155, 158, 160. 3. Dent D. & Yang (1981): Soil Survey and Land Evaluation, pub. Allen and Unwin, London, 4. Deosthali Vaishali and others (2005): Prioritization of Villages for Reclamation of Salt- Affected in Irrigated tracts of Sangli District (M.S.) A GIS and Remote Sensing Approach, Technical Repot GR 01/05, Pp. 7-8. Vol. 2, No. 4, Oct. - Dec., 2014 www.researchfront.in 69
5. Deshmukh K. K. (2001): Impact of Irrigation on the Chemistry of the Soils and Groundwater from Sangamner Area, Ahmednagar Dist. Ph.D Thesis submitted to University of Pune (Unpublished) Pp 140-143, 155-156. 6. Dwivedi R. S., Shreenivas K., Ramana K. V., Sujata G. & Sharma K. L.: (Vol. 34 No. March 2006): Delineation of Land Affected by Tanneries Effluents: A Remote Sensing and GIS Approach, Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing, Dehradun P 97. 7. Foth H. D. & Turk L. M. (1972): Fundamentals of soil science, 5 th edition Wiley Eastern pvt. Ltd. New Delhi. Pp. 8, 14 7. Gaikwad Sunil W. (June2002): Soil Degradation in Sugarcane Producing areas An environmental problem, Maharashtra Bhugolshatra Sanshodhan Patrika (Vol.XVI No.1 Jan. - June - 2002) Pp 1-13. 8. Gupta P. K. & Gupta I. C. (1997): Management of Saline Soils and Waters, Scientific pub. Jodhpur. 9. Hodgson J. M. (1978): Soil Sampling and Soil Description, pub. Oxford University Press, UK. 10. London J. R. (ed. 1984): Booker Tropical Soil Manual, A handbook for soil survey and agricultural land evaluation in the tropics and subtropics, pub. Booker Agriculture International Ltd. London England, P168. 11. Mehta Vijay (1993): Ksharyukta va Chopan Jaminiche Vevsthapan, Continental Prakashan, Pune. 12. Ministery of Agriculture (2011): Soil Testing in India, Department of Agriculture and corporation Ministry of Agriculture, Govertment of India New Delhi. 13. Mukund Ghare (2000): Sahvibhagiya Panlot Kshetra Vikas, Afarm Prakashan, Pune, Pp. 173, 222-228. 14. Pawar C. T. & Pujari A. A. (Vol. 22 No. 1 Jan. 2000): Soil Degradation in Sugarcane Farming- A micro level Analysis, Transactions Indian Institute of Geographers, P30. 15. Prasad K.S. S., Reddy Puroshothama and others (1989): Some Physico-Chemical Properties of Soils in Relation to Geomorphology, Vol.35, Pp 227-230. 16. Richards L. A. (1968): Diagnosis and Improvement of Saline and Alkali Soils, U.S. Salinity Laboratory Staff, Agriculture Handbook No. 60, Oxford and IBH pub. Comp. New Delhi. 17. Sinchan Vikas (2002): Khand 15, Ank 3, Patbandhare Sanshodhan Va Vikas Sanchanalaya, Pune. 18. Soil Survey and Soil Testing Dept. (2000): Pune Division Soil Survey and Soil Testing Manual book, Pp 7-9, 52. Vol. 2, No. 4, Oct. - Dec., 2014 www.researchfront.in 70