STUDY OF SALINITY AND WATERLOGGING IN UTTAR-PRADESH (INDIA) USING REMOTE-SENSING DATA

Salinization/alkalization and waterlogging have rendered a sizeable area of India's arable lands unproductive. These highly dynamic phenomena can be studied using remote sensing data collected at regular intervals. Landsat Multispectral Scanner data of 28 February 1975 and 9 March 1990 were interpreted visually to derive information about the spatial extent and distribution of salt-affected soils. A significant decrease in the area of salt-affected soils was noted over this period, which can be attributed to reclamation efforts by government agencies and farmers. On a large scale, i.e. 1:50 000, the waterlogged area could also be mapped using a Landsat Thematic Mapper false-colour composite print.