Strong core potential
About two‑thirds of Washim is highly to moderately suitable for crops.
This is the stable, reliable land where long‑term investments in agriculture are most secure.
Understanding the analysis
Introduction
Understanding land suitability
Land suitability analysis supports sustainable food production and soil health. Soil properties—texture, depth, drainage, fertility—strongly influence crop growth and yield. This data story evaluates suitability using soil as the primary factor, essential for crop planning and land-use optimization.
Study area
Washim district
Washim district (Vidarbha, Maharashtra) is predominantly agrarian with rainfed farming and crops such as cotton, soybean, sorghum, wheat, and pulses.[1] Black cotton soils (Vertisols) and varying soil groups create differential agricultural potential—making suitability assessment essential.
Methodology
Soil-based composite index
A soil-based composite index integrated multiple soil properties into a single suitability score. Data from ICAR covered depth, texture, pH, drainage, and slope. Each parameter was scored (3: highly suitable to 0: unsuitable) based on crop requirements—reflecting the combined effect of soil characteristics on agricultural suitability.
Suitability data
How soil properties and area extent are classified.
Soil property suitability
| Property | Highly (3) | Suitable (2) | Marginally (1) | Unsuitable (0) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Depth | Deep | Moderately shallow | Shallow, Very shallow | Extremely shallow, Settlements, Waterbodies |
| Surface Texture | Loamy | Clayey | — | Settlements, Waterbodies |
| pH | Neutral | Slightly alkaline | — | Settlements, Waterbodies |
| Drainage | Well | Moderately well | Somewhat excessive | Settlements, Waterbodies |
| Slope | Very gently sloping | Gently sloping | Moderately sloping | Moderately steep, Settlements, Waterbodies |
Results
Marginal land as opportunity
Around 30% of land can improve with better soil and water management.
These areas respond well to measures like organic matter addition, drainage correction and contour bunding.
Protecting fragile zones
A small share (~6%) is unsuitable for agriculture.
Steering these lands toward forestry, pasture or conservation prevents degradation and supports ecosystem health.
Extent by suitability class
Area (sq km) of land by agricultural suitability class.
- Class breaks derived empirically from score distribution and expert judgement.
Suitability map
View suitability classes across Washim district.
Key takeaway from the analysis
Conclusion
The land suitability analysis for Washim district reveals a clear and reassuring story hidden within the soil data. Nearly two-thirds of the landscape emerges as highly to moderately suitable for agriculture, highlighting the district's strong natural foundation for sustained farming. The sizable share of marginally suitable land signals opportunity rather than limitation—informed soil management, amendments, and cropping choices can unlock better productivity.
By using a simple multiplicative combination of soil properties, this assessment emphasizes that agricultural potential is shaped by the weakest links as much as the strongest ones. For planners, policymakers, and extension agencies, the results offer a practical lens to move from uniform recommendations toward place-specific strategies: directing investments, reducing risk for farmers, and aligning agricultural practices with the land's inherent capacity. Understanding the soil is the first step toward resilient and sustainable agriculture.
