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ABSTRACT
The climatic data of 32 stations of Uttarkahand and adjoining region were collected and the thematic layers of climatic parameters, annual average temperature and precipitation were generated using the spatial analyst Extension of ARC-View. The grid interpolation was applied to generate the surface of annual average temperature and later it was rectified with Digital Elevation Model (DEM) prepared with ASTER data and employing environmental lapse rate (0.65°C / 100 m).
Decision Tree Classifier (DTC) embedded in ENVI image processing software was used for agro- climatic zonation of Uttarakhand by considering climatic parameters of annual average temperature and precipitation. During the process of zonation, the temperature map of Uttarakhand was divided into four thermal regimes 1) <0°C, 2) 0°C - 10°C, 3) 10°C - 20°C and 4) >20°C, thereafter, boundaries of the precipitation distribution (in three regimes 1) < 800 mm, 2) 800-1400 mm, and 3) > 1400 mm) in the state have been overlaid on temperature regimes, which divided entire state of Uttarakhand into twelve Agro-climatic zones.
Key words: Agro-climatic zonation, remote sensing, interpolation, GIS
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The climate is among the most important factors that determine the agricultural potentialities of a region and the suitability for a specific crop, whereas the yield is determined by weather conditions (Pereira, 1982). Agriculture is highly dependent on environmental conditions, a quantitative understanding of the climate of a region is essential for developing improved farming systems (Reddy, 1983). A practical zoning approach thus arises because climate represented by thermal and moisture regimes forms small geographic areas, resulting in a variable mosaic of specialized areas, capable of supporting varied land use systems (Troll, 1965). The approach is used to categorize agro-climatically uniform geographical areas for agricultural developmental planning and other interventions.
Agro-climatic zone (ACZ) is a land unit in terms of major climate, superimposed on length of growing period (moisture availability period) (FAO, 1983). It has a characteristic inter-relationship between agronomy or farming systems and climate. The delineation of homogeneous agro-climatic zones can help to interpret present cropping pattern, as well as suggest new cropping patterns (Adhikari et al., 2001). Agro-climatic zonation scheme is a standard tool for prioritising agricultural research because they offer relevant, available information about target environment (Corbett, 1996). Proper descriptions...