Soil Characterization, Classification and Land Use Planning for Netrang Taluka in Bharuch District, Gujarat, India

Abstract

A detailed soil survey was conducted at a 1:10000 scale using remote sensing data and field surveys to delineate landforms, characterize the soils and develop a land use plan for Netrang taluka, Bharuch district, Gujarat. Five representative pedons covering major landforms—gently sloping plateau, undulating dissected plateau, older flood plain and hilly terrain— were characterized for morphological, physical and chemical properties. Soil depth varied widely, from shallow (22 cm) in hilly terrain to very deep (150 cm) in floodplain areas. Textures ranged from clay loam to clay, with water-holding capacity between AMC 3.2–12.5%. Saturated hydraulic conductivity showed moderate variation (12.6–26.6 cm hr⁻¹). Soil reaction ranged from slightly acidic to moderately alkaline. Organic carbon was low to medium (0.02–0.76%), while CEC was moderate to high (38.24–58.97 cmol(p⁺) kg⁻¹). Taxonomic classification placed most profiles under fine-textured Typic Haplustepts (Inceptisols), while shallow hilly soils were classified as Typic Ustorthents (Entisols). Key constraints affecting land suitability are depth, drainage and erosion in the block. Soil-site suitability assessments indicated high to moderate suitability for existing crops like soybean and pigeonpea, while alternative crops such as finger millet, chickpea and black gram showed better adaptability. Sugarcane, cotton, and banana were moderately to marginally suitable due to depth and drainage limitations. A land use plan was developed recommending soil conservation, organic matter enhancement, micronutrient management and diversified cropping for sustainable agricultural productivity.