Soils of Himachal Pradesh: Land capability classification and assessment of soil degradation status for suggested land use

Studies pertaining to land capability classification and soil degradation status of Himachal Pradesh were undertaken for perspective land use. About 78.3% area belongs to land capability classes VI, VII and VIII which are non-arable lands and not suited for agriculture but suitable for forest, orchards, pasture and recreational purposes. Class III and IV lands covering an area of 21.4% are moderately to marginally suitable for growing climatically adopted crops. Class-II lands occupy negligible area and there being no class-I lands. The degree and extent of soil degradation as well as severity of soil degradation have been assessed. About 53.8% area of the state is affected by water erosion. Stoniness is the next main problem, mostly common with areas of water erosion and found to be occupy 23.1% area. Flooding affects only 0.3% area. About 22.8% area is under rock outcrops, glaciers, ice caps (part of class VIII lands) and unfit for agriculture. The ameliorative measures along with suggested land use have been suggested to arrest further degradation of soils and for sustained agricultural as well as non-agricultural uses.