Landform - Based Soil Variability and Water Regime Implications in the KRP Dam Catchment, Tamil Nadu, India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53550/ijsc.v54.i1.216Keywords:
Hydropedology, KRP dam, Landforms, Pedological indicators, Soil Characterization, Soil management, Water regimeAbstract
Hydropedology studies soil and water processes across landscapes. This research characterized the soils in the Krishnagiri Reservoir Project (KRP) Dam catchment, Tamil Nadu, India, to identify pedological indicators of water regimes and the effects of land management. A (2020-2023) soil survey at a 1:10,000 scale provided data for the 12,483 ha catchment. Five soil series from various landforms were classified, and drainage classes were estimated based on soil features without direct hydrological monitoring. Soil properties varied by landform, from shallow (<50 cm) to deep (100- 150 cm), with drainage from well to poorly drained. Colors ranged from dark reddishbrown to black; textures ranged from loamy sand to clay. Structure ranged from massive to subangular blocky; pH from neutral to moderately alkaline (6.74-9.19), electrical conductivity from non-saline to slightly saline (0.04-1.64 dS m⁻¹), organic carbon from low to high (0.15-2.17%), and cation exchange capacity from 4.43 to 54.0 cmol (p⁺) kg⁻¹. The soil exchange complex held Ca > Mg > K > Na. Soil classes included Alfisols (NGH & MLD series - uplands), Inceptisols (STP & SDK series - lowlands), and Entisols (KLV series - lowlands). Soils with periodic saturation (KLV, STP, SDK) had higher clay, CEC, and nutrients than well-drained uplands (NGH, MLD). Correlation analysis (n=45) showed strong positive relationships between clay, CEC, and exchangeable bases, with sand negatively correlating. Upland soils exhibited erosion and nutrient loss with low water-holding capacity (5.44-7.99%). Lowland soils had higher available water (11.89-22.39%) but signs of drainage issues and salt buildup. This study provides a baseline for soil features in the KRP Dam catchment. Water regime inferences need validation via direct hydrological monitoring, including water table, soil moisture, and hydraulic testing. Conservation strategies for uplands (erosion, organic matter) and lowlands (drainage, salinity) should be field-tested before implementation. This baseline supports future integrated research for sustainable crop management in dam-affected regions.
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