Soil quality analysis and mapping of various land uses using geospatial technology: a case study

Abstract

This manuscript presents a comprehensive study on soil quality analysis and mapping across various land uses in the city of Madurai, India, leveraging advanced geospatial technology. Soil quality assessment is crucial for sustainable land management and informed decision-making in urban planning and agriculture. The study integrates geospatial data, remote sensing imagery, and ground-truthing techniques to evaluate soil properties and categorize land uses, facilitating a holistic understanding of the city’s soil health. The research begins by collecting soil samples from multiple locations representing diverse land uses, including urban, peri-urban, and agricultural areas within Madurai. Laboratory analyses are performed to measure various soil attributes such as pH, organic matter content, nutrient levels, and texture. Simultaneously, high-resolution satellite imagery and geographic information system (GIS) data are employed to create detailed land use maps, identifying distinct patterns and spatial distributions. The pH, amount of organic matter, amount of nutrients, and texture of the soil were all examined. Based on the significance of these characteristics in determining soil quality, a soil quality index was devised, and maps of soil quality were made for each type of land use. The consistency index map is created to gauge the level of soil contamination. Using statistical and geospatial analyses, the manuscript highlights significant variations in soil properties across different land use types. It explores the impact of urbanization on soil quality, revealing areas of soil degradation and pollution in urban zones. Furthermore, the study identifies regions with fertile soils suitable for agricultural purposes and suggests potential areas for soil improvement and sustainable land management practices.