The inventory and monitoring of eroded lands using remote sensing data

In order to prevent soil loss and protect fertile lands from soil erosion, precise information on the nature, extent and magnitude of soil erosion is a prerequisite. In the study reported here, Landsat MSS, TM and Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS-1A) Linear Imaging Self-scanning Sensor (LISS-II) data have been visually interpreted to derive qualitative information on both eroded lands and shifting cultivation areas. Three categories of eroded lands, namely (i) nil to slight, (ii) moderate, and (iii) severe to very severe were delineated. Optical-cum-digital enlargement of LISS-II data helped to pick up small pockets of eroded lands and shifting cultivation areas that were not discernible at a 1:250 000 scale. Temporal variation observed in the extent and distribution of eroded lands is also discussed in detail.