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Assessment of the role of physicochemical properties of the soil on the formation of badlands around Chitrakoot, India
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  • Nikhilesh Singh,
  • Medha Jha,
  • Sanjay Tignath,
  • Bhola Nath Singh,
  • Arghya Chattopadhyay
Nikhilesh Singh
Indian Institute of Technology BHU Varanasi

Corresponding Author:nikhileshs.rs.civ16@itbhu.ac.in

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Medha Jha
Indian Institute of Technology BHU Varanasi
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Sanjay Tignath
Government Science College
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Bhola Nath Singh
Indian Institute of Technology BHU Varanasi
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Arghya Chattopadhyay
Banaras Hindu University Institute of Agricultural Sciences
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Abstract

The present paper attempts to study the causative physicochemical properties of the soils, which effectively portray its dispersive and deteriorating conditions, which have led to the formation of badlands in the Mandakini River watershed Chitrakoot area, India. Following investigations were made on the soil samples collected from the field: i) grain size distribution ii) various physicochemical properties and nutrient content of the soil. The clay minerals were detected and identified with the X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and High-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy (HRSEM). The spatial maps of all these parameters were prepared in a GIS environment, and overlay analysis was performed. The results show that the soil has a silt loam texture with high bulk density. The low values of plastic limit, liquid limit, and plasticity index show the non-cohesive nature of the soils. Higher bulk density has decreased the porosity as well as permeability in the soils. This impact on porosity and permeability has reduced the favourable conditions for vegetation, and the soils contain low organic matter. Apart from the bulk density, the presence of calcrete and illitic clay mineral (low in content) has also reduced the permeability of the soils, further increasing runoff. The overlay analysis based on the liquid limit, plasticity index, bulk density, and drainage frequency shows that the area is thoroughly affected by badland processes. Three zones were categorized as severe, very severe, and extremely severe depending upon their conditions gully channel processes.
31 May 2021Submitted to Land Degradation & Development
01 Jun 2021Submission Checks Completed
01 Jun 2021Assigned to Editor
06 Jun 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
28 Jun 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
02 Jul 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
27 Jul 20211st Revision Received
30 Jul 2021Submission Checks Completed
30 Jul 2021Assigned to Editor
03 Aug 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
09 Aug 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
22 Aug 20212nd Revision Received
23 Aug 2021Submission Checks Completed
23 Aug 2021Assigned to Editor
11 Sep 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
12 Sep 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Major
09 Oct 20213rd Revision Received
18 Oct 2021Submission Checks Completed
18 Oct 2021Assigned to Editor
28 Nov 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
05 Dec 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
07 Dec 20214th Revision Received
08 Dec 2021Submission Checks Completed
08 Dec 2021Assigned to Editor
08 Dec 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
11 Dec 2021Editorial Decision: Accept