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Soil moisture plays a critical role in agricultural productivity and water resource management, especially in a diverse and
populous country like India. Understanding variations in soil moisture across different regions and seasons is essential for
adapting agricultural practices and water management strategies to local conditions. This study examines changes in soil
moisture levels across India, comparing contemporary data from 2023 with historical averages from 2000 to 2005 using
advanced remote sensing and GIS technologies. The primary objective of this study is to identify Soil Moisture Anomalies
(SMA) across India, quantify their impacts on agriculture and water resources, and provide recommendations for targeted
management strategies. By comparing recent soil moisture data against historical averages, the study aims to highlight
trends and changes that could influence future water resource planning and agricultural practices. The research utilizes
data from the Famine Early Warning Systems Network’s (FEWS NET) i.e. Land Data Assimilation System (FLDAS),
obtained from NASA’s data archives. The study employs a systematic approach to analyze seasonal variations in soil moisture
across different Indian states. Soil moisture levels were analyzed using zonal statistics in GIS to classify regions into
categories based on the degree of anomaly observed. This classification helped in understanding the spatial distribution
of soil moisture during the pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons. The study found significant regional and
seasonal variations in soil moisture across India. During the monsoon period, areas such as Bihar and Jharkhand consistently
showed significant moisture deficits, indicative of drought conditions, affecting agricultural output and necessitating
urgent water conservation measures. Conversely, regions like Punjab benefited from positive soil moisture anomalies,
enhancing agricultural productivity. The pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons also showed variations, with some areas
experiencing deficits requiring careful water management while others had surpluses that increased the risk of flooding.
The analysis of SMA in India underscores the need for region-specific agricultural and water management strategies that
consider significant variability in soil moisture conditions. The study highlights the importance of integrating soil moisture
monitoring into national policy frameworks to enhance climate resilience and sustainable agricultural practices. Future
research should focus on updating soil moisture assessments with more recent data and refining predictive models to
improve the accuracy and effectiveness of water management and agricultural interventions.
- English