Geospatial modeling in assessment of biophysical resources for sustainable land resource management

In this study an attempt has been made to delineate distinct biophysical resource units, assess human carrying capacity and prioritize the areas through geospatial modeling in Geographic Information System (GIS) for sustainable management of land resource in Tirora tehsil of Gondia district, eastern Maharashtra, India. Distinct biophysical resource units have been delineated based on the geospatial modeling of biophysical parameters with appropriate weights in GIS. The analysis of human carrying capacity at village level shows that about 47 villages were under deficit and 75 villages under surplus in the availability of calories in the year 2001. The biophysical resource units and human carrying capacity units were integrated in GIS through geospatial modeling to prioritize the distinct areas. The results indicate that very high priority unit occupies 19.15 per cent area of the tehsil, where proper resource management measures need be taken up on priority basis. The study demonstrates the potential of geospatial modeling in prioritization of areas for sustainable management of land resources.