REMOTE SENSING APPLICATIONS FOR LAND EROSION STUDIES IN A PART OF NORTHERN INDIA

Abstract

Rapid growth of population and technical progress are giving rise to industrialization and urbanization which ultimately results In deterioration, destruction and intoxication of the soil and environment. Therefore, attention should be given to its rational use. The soil erosion facilitates the loss of land • surface and consequence shortage of food, fuel and timber for mankind and fodder for cattle. Besides that eraded land also increases the chocking of reservoirs being a good source of sediment. Remote Sensing technique Is useful in carrying out the soil erosion studies. In the present study besides Remotely Sensed data , the other data such as Meteorological, Topographical , Soil type have also used. The visual image interpretation technique has been adopted in analysing the Remotely Sensed data considering the standard image elements. The study has been carried out in a part of Northern India. The soi.1 removal intensity has been computed by Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE). It has been observed that the soil erosion severity is decreasing from North to South in the study area. The land conservation measures have been recommended on the basis of agricultural practice so as to reduce the soil erosion intensity to a tolerable limit. For future studies of soil erosion it has been suggested that future studies be carried on larger scale say 1: 0,400 or even larger Remote Sensing products. The parameters influencing the soil erosion be also studied so that their individual effect can also be taken into account for making the suitable and more effective recommendations for soil conservation/management. It will be better if GIS is used for carrying out such studi yes.