No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

The study of land suitability (LS) for agriculture is one of the most competent mechanisms that show concern for cultivable land and forecasts the supply of sustainable production in semi-arid areas. In view of this, the purpose of the present study is to suggest a conceptual framework for the analysis of LS that would greatly enhance green cover to tackle environmental challenges caused by groundwater recharge (water resources). In semi-arid areas, physiographic components play a fundamental role in agriculture. LULC, NDVI, TGSI, soil, geology, geomorphology, slope, DD, LD, and availability of nutrients affect agricultural production. Analysis of LS may lead to formulating strategies for improving agricultural productivity. A multi-criterion decision-making methodology focused on GIS using the Landsat 8 (OLI) dataset was used to evaluate LS maps in semi-arid regions for agriculture. For LS analysis, the structure and recommendations of the Food and Agriculture Organization were followed and it was found that 23.79% of the land is "highly suitable", 20.17% of the land is "moderately suitable", while approximately 28.28% of the total area is calculated to be "marginally suitable" for forestation, approximately 23.20% is "not suitable" for forestation, and water resources or water bodies are 4.53%. The study's methods, techniques, and conclusions can be useful in determining the LS for agriculture in semi-arid regions. The multi-criterion decision-making tool AHP incorporated with GIS introduces a new approach and the findings of the study may be useful for the identification of suitable agricultural land in any part of the world.

Groundwater pollution with fluoride and nitrate is one of the most serious issues in coastal regions. Thirty-nine groundwater samples were collected in the current research region and tested for PH, TDS, and EC. Thirty-nine groundwater samples were collected in the current research region and tested for PH, TDS, EC and cations, anions, and hardness. The elevated parameters are EC, PH, TDS, and nitrates. The fluoride fell in the permissible limit in Nellore urban area, nitrate and fluoride exposure heath risk calculated by using the US EPA method. From that, the total hazard index (THI) was calculated. The fluoride total hazard index value ranges from 0.15 to 0.95 and that of average 0.45, which fell below < 1, hence no significance on children, women, and men. The nitrate is falling in excess in groundwater. The ranges are 35 mg/l to 72 mg/l, and adverse value is 47.8 mg/l. The total hazard index (THI) of nitrates fell at > 1, which indicates a harmful for the human health. The computed THI affected percentage is the children (100%), women (95%), and men (30%). The nitrate was released in water due to the industrial discharge, septic tanks, manure pools, sewer system, and rock–water interaction. The abundance of the cations and anions is Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+ and HCO3− > Cl− > SO42 > NO3 > F. The Gibbs diagram explains the source of the chemistry; hence, all samples fell in the rock–water interaction area.