Spatial Variability in Length of Growing Period Using Meteorological and Space-based Data in Nagpur District of Maharashtra

Abstract

The LGP was assessed using meteorological data (1988-2018) and MODIS-based NDVI data between 2000 to 2018. The meteorological data indicated that highest rainfall (1569 mm) was observed in Nagpur-Rural tehsil and the lowest rainfall was recorded in Narkhed tehsil (982 mm). Highest PET was observed in Hingna tehsil (1758 mm) and the lowest PET was recorded in Nagpur-Rural tehsil (1656 mm). The LGP map of Nagpur district generated using meteorological data showed that LGP ranged from 139 to 155 days. The pixel-wise LGP data computed using MODIS NDVI time series data has been reclassified in to 5 classes viz., 90-120, 120-150, 150-180, 180-210 and 210-240 days in which LGP class150-180 days occupied maximum area (40.7%) followed by 210-240 days (17.7%), 180-210 days (15.4%), 120-150 days (14.8%), whereas, the lowest area (11.8%) was under LGP class 90-120 days. LGP found in different landforms indicated that maximum LGP was in lower pediplains (46.4%) followed by pediments (21.7%) and plateau (11.1%). Lower LGP was observed in upper pediplains (7.1%), hills (5.4%), pediplain (hillside) (2.5%), scarp slope (1.9%), valley (1.6%) and gully land (0.9%). LGP with different land use/land cover indicate that maximum LGP was under agriculture (69.5%) followed by forest (23.3%) and scrubland (7.1%). Out of the 5 classes of LGP, 93.7 per cent of total agricultural area has LGP ranging from 120-240 days.