Assessment of Land Degradation: A Qualitative Approach

Thorough information on status of land degradation is essential to check the problem and to implement remedial measures. Remote Sensing is a very useful tool and technique to prepare reliable information on land degradation. And, for planning a developmental and/or reclamation program, the basic pre-requisite is information on the current status of land and of various processes involved in inducing and enhancing degradation. In other words, a very detailed database is essential to take decisions and implement plans for sustaining land as a resource. This book adopts qualitative approach to assess land degradation in a part of East Singhbhum district and develops suitable guidelines for sustainable development. The author introduces methods for generating information through geographical knowledge and discusses the relationship between land use, NDVI, soil quality, population, agricultural practices and land degradation. It also offers recommendations for effectively using land use information for sustainable land management practices. It will be of interest to researchers and academics in geography, environment and development.