Land capability studies using GIS techniques in the northern dry zone of Karnataka (Sathihala sub-watershed, Vijayapura)

A study was conducted to assess land capability and develop a land suitability map based on soil characteristics and climatic factors in a sub-watershed area. A detailed soil survey was carried out in the Sathihala (4D5C5n) sub-watershed, located in Devara Hipparagi taluk of Vijayapura district, Karnataka, to obtain comprehensive land resource data. Based on soil-site characteristics, twenty-six soil series were identified in the study area: Algali (AGL), Atharga (ARG), Arthal (ATL), Baramkodi (BKD), Deginal (DGN), Dadamatti (DMT), Halahalli (HHL), Hunashyal (HSL), Hattararkihal (HTK), Jayawadagi (JYD), Kalgurki (KGR), Karjol (KRJ), Masabinal (MBL), Managoli (MGL), Nandihal (NDL), Naihalla (NHL), Kamanakeri (NRG), Rambapur (RMB), RPR, Sankanala (SKL), Tenihalli (THL), Tonsihal (TKL), Thalewada (TLD), Dadamatti (TNL), Tonsihal (TSL), and Yambatnal (YBT). These soil series were delineated into 74 mapping units using GIS techniques. The Sathihala sub-watershed area was classified into four Land Capability Classes (LCC): I, II, III, and IV, with subclasses—Is, IIes, IIIs, and IVes. The subclass ‘e’ indicates major limitations related to erosion and slope (soil property group ‘e’), while ‘s’ denotes limitations associated with soil characteristics such as texture, depth, and gravelliness (soil property group ‘s’). Subclasses ‘se’ and ‘es’ represent combined limitations from both groups, with the order indicating the dominant constraint-either soil properties (‘s’) or erosion/slope (‘e’). A land capability map developed using GIS techniques revealed that, out of the total study area of 3,810.81 ha, the majority (3,228 ha or 84.71%) falls under class IIIse, followed by class IVse, which covers 447 ha (11.73%). The soil suitability assessment indicated that most of the land is moderately suitable for agriculture. Class IV soils, though reasonably fertile, are suited only for intermittent cultivation due to significant limitations that restrict crop choices. However, with appropriate management practices, these lands can still support agricultural use. The application of a Land Use Planning (LUP) approach is crucial for developing site-specific land resource management strategies to improve land productivity, prevent degradation, and promote long-term sustainability.