Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International

Integrated Assessment of Land Use Change and Groundwater Trends along the Coastal Stretch of Bharathapuzha River Basin, Kerala, India

V. R. Akansha — 2026-02-24

Groundwater is an essential freshwater supply for the daily activities of people especially for those residing in the coastal areas. Land use change, sea-water intrusion and rapid urbanization have a significant impact on aquifer behavior in these areas. Therefore, this study analyses long-term changes in land use and groundwater levels in the Tavanur-Ponnani region of the Bharathapuzha River Basin, Kerala. Multi-temporal Landsat satellite data were used to assess land use and land cover changes using the spectral indices such as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) for the years 2014, 2017, 2021 and 2025. Groundwater level data from eighteen observation wells were analyzed for pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons from 2014 to October 2025 using the Mann–Kendall test and Sen’s slope estimator. The results show a continuous decline in vegetation cover, with vegetated area reducing from 32.1 km² in 2014 to 24.9 km² in 2025, while built-up land increased from 2.2 km² to 6.91 km² (approximately 214% increase) during the same period. Mean NDVI values decreased from 0.218 in 2014 to 0.19 in 2025, whereas mean NDBI values increased from −0.12 to −0.07, indicating rapid urbanization in the area. Groundwater level analysis revealed a statistically significant increasing trend in depth to groundwater in both pre-monsoon (up to 3.38 m rise in Well No.1) and post-monsoon seasons (up to 2.5 m rise in Well No.2) across all observation wells. Correlation analysis showed a strong negative relationship between NDVI and groundwater depth (r = −0.82 in 2025) and a strong positive relationship between NDBI and groundwater depth (r = 0.80 in 2025), confirming the influence of land use changes on groundwater. Therefore, the continuous loss in vegetation and increase in built-up areas are strongly associated with long-term groundwater decline in the region, emphasizing the need for sustainable land use planning and groundwater management in coastal river basins of Bharathapuzha.

Climatic Variability and Its Impact on Rice and Wheat Yield in the North Eastern Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh, India (1998–2023)

Hayam Boboy Singh — 2026-02-24

Background and Aims: Climate change exerts profound impacts on agriculture, significantly shaping crop yields, livestock well-being, and global food security systems. The study aimed to investigate rainfall variability and seasonal climatic patterns in the North Eastern Plain Zone (NEPZ). It specifically sought to assess the impact of temperature fluctuations and erratic rainfall on the productivity of major cereal crops, namely rice and wheat.

Study Design: It utilized historical climatic variables to determine correlations between weather shifts and agricultural output across various districts within the NEPZ.

Place and Duration of Study: The investigation focused on the North Eastern Plain Zone of Eastern Uttar Pradesh (EUP), India. The analysis spanned a 26-year period, covering data from 1998 to 2023.

Methodology: Seasonal and annual trends for temperature and rainfall were analysed using key statistical tools. These included Standard Deviation and Coefficient of Variation to measure variability, and Linear Regression Analysis to determine the slope of climatic shifts. The relationship between climate variables and crop yields was evaluated using the coefficient of determination (R²)

Results: Analysis revealed an increasing trend in maximum temperature (Tmax) of approximately 1.8°C (slope = 0.0086, R²= 0.009). Rainfall exhibited an increasing trend ranging from 600 mm to 2000 mm, showing a moderate correlation (R² = 0.5561). Conversely, minimum temperature (Tmin) showed a slight decline (slope = -0.0166). While weak correlation Tmax slightly favoured yields, decreasing nighttime temperatures and erratic rainfall negatively impacted crop growth. The findings emphasize the need for adaptive water management and agricultural planning to mitigate climate-induced yield instability.

Conclusion: The NEPZ is experiencing distinct climatic shifts characterized by warming days, cooler nights, and volatile precipitation. These fluctuations, particularly over-irrigation coupled with low Tmin, pose risks to rice and wheat productivity. The findings emphasize the urgent need for adaptive agricultural planning and improved water management to sustain food security in Eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Assessing the Effect of Aerosol Optical Depth on Solar Radiation Components over Iraq (2010-2022)

Aqeel D. Salman — 2026-03-09

Aerosols play an important role in modifying the components of solar radiation at the Earth's surface, especially in dry environments with high dust activity, such as Iraq. This study evaluates the impact of aerosol optical depth (AOD at 550 nm) on solar radiation components (DNI, DHI, and GHI) over the period 2010–2022, using MERRA-2 reanalysis data for aerosols and ERA5 data for solar radiation. The analysis includes daily, monthly, and spatial assessments, in addition to a comparison between clear-sky conditions and actual atmospheric conditions. Temporal analysis revealed a statistically significant downward trend in AOD according to the Mann–Kendall test (p = 0.002), while global horizontal irradiance (GHI) did not exhibit a comparable temporal trend, suggesting a compensatory mechanism between direct and diffuse radiation components. At the national daily scale, a statistically significant inverse relationship was identified between AOD and direct normal irradiance (DNI), with a slope of −326.99 W m⁻² per unit AOD (R² = 0.28, p < 0.001) and a relative sensitivity of −157% compared to its overall mean value (207.77 W m⁻²). In contrast, diffuse horizontal irradiance (DHI) showed a statistically significant positive relationship with AOD, with a slope of +123.68 W m⁻² per unit AOD (R² = 0.38, p < 0.001) and a relative sensitivity of +149% relative to its mean (82.74 W m⁻²). For GHI, although the regression slope was positive (≈ +22.51 W m⁻² per unit AOD), the explanatory power was extremely weak (R² ≈ 0.002), indicating that the relationship is statistically detectable but physically limited, primarily reflecting energy redistribution rather than a net radiative gain or loss. The aerosol impact was found to be more pronounced under clear-sky conditions compared to all-sky conditions, confirming the masking role of clouds in modulating aerosol–radiation interactions. The maps of spatial radiative sensitivity revealed clear geographic variability, with stronger negative sensitivities concentrated over central and southern Iraq. Seasonal analysis showed that the highest radiative sensitivity occurred during winter (DJF: −2.99 kWh m⁻² per unit AOD, p = 0.00019) and autumn (SON: −2.24 kWh m⁻², p < 0.001), whereas spring exhibited weaker and statistically insignificant responses. These findings demonstrate that aerosols substantially redistribute solar energy over Iraq and directly influence the estimation of solar energy resources, particularly for photovoltaic resource assessment, highlighting the necessity of incorporating aerosol effects into regional solar energy modeling frameworks.

Application of Geospatial Technologies and KOBO Tool for Site Suitability Assessment of Soil and Water Conservation Measures in the Wasari Watershed, Maharashtra, India

Raosaheb Kote — 2026-03-10

Integrated watershed management is essential for conserving soil and water resources under increasing climatic variability. The present study focuses on the application of Geospatial technology and the KOBO tool for identifying soil and water conservation measures within Wasari Watershed, Yavatmal District, Maharashtra, India. The watershed covers 914.19 ha and has an elevation range of 207 m to 323 m above mean sea level. The integration of Geographical Information System (GIS) analysis with the mobile-based KOBO tool enabled accurate geo-tagging, field data collection, and technical planning of soil and water conservation structures in the watershed. Spatial datasets, including the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) Digital Elevation Model (DEM), land use/land cover, soil characteristics, geology, lineaments, slope, drainage density, and topography, were analysed using GIS techniques. A weighted overlay method was applied to prepare the land capability classification map by assigning weights to slope (30%), soil (25%), land use/land cover (20%), topography (15%), geology (10%), and lineament density (10%). The results indicate that a significant portion of the watershed falls under Class II land capability, suggesting moderate suitability for agriculture with proper conservation practices. Soil analysis revealed a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, low to moderate organic carbon content, and dominance of sandy clay loam and clay soils with variable depths. The suitable land area and drainage line treatments were proposed. Measures such as contour bunding based on the ridge-to-valley approach, farm bunding, afforestation, water-absorption trenches, loose boulder structures, gully plugs, and gabion structures were recommended to reduce runoff, control soil erosion, and enhance groundwater recharge. The study concludes that integration of Remote Sensing, GIS, and KOBO tool provides a scientific and practical framework for prioritizing soil and water conservation measures and supports climate-resilient watershed development.

Fiscal Capacity under Devolution: Households, Livestock and Fishing Activities in Kenyas’ Governments

Herman Githinji Mwangi — 2026-03-21

Decentralized revenue collection performance is shaped by geographical, technological, and institutional conditions. In Kenya, the 2010 constitution established 47 county governments with constitutionally guaranteed intergovernmental transfers and devolved revenue collection authority. However, these county governments have persistently under-performed in mobilizing own source revenue (OSR) relative to their estimated potential. This study, therefore, examines the relationship between OSR and household scale, livestock-related economic activity and fishing using cross-sectional data from the 2019 Kenya population and housing census and the commission on revenue allocation (CRA). The analysis employs an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model and diagnostic tests are conducted to verify compliance with classical linear regression assumptions. Household scale exhibits a positive and highly significant association with OSR. Livestock abundance is positively associated with revenue generation whereas reliance on fishing is negatively related to OSR performance. The study contributes to the literature on fiscal decentralization by providing sub-national empirical evidence linking demographic scale and agricultural sector composition to local revenue mobilization capacity. The results underscore the need for context-specific revenue policies and differentiated intergovernmental fiscal support, particularly for counties with limited economic bases, to strengthen fiscal sustainability and equity within Kenya’s devolved governance framework.

Impact of Monsoon Recharge on Groundwater Salinity: A Seasonal TDS Assessment in the Kadwa Basin, Maharashtra, India

V. B. Kale — 2026-03-27

Groundwater quality is increasingly challenged in rapidly developing, monsoon-dependent regions, where both natural processes and human activities influence aquifer chemistry. This study evaluates seasonal changes in groundwater salinity through a comparative assessment of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) using 110 paired groundwater samples collected during pre- and post-monsoon periods in the Kadwa Basin, Nashik district of Maharashtra. Pre-monsoon TDS concentrations ranged from 128 to 1,088 mg/L, whereas post-monsoon concentrations varied between 64 and 640 mg/L. The mean TDS declined from 503.73 mg/L prior to monsoon recharge to 285.09 mg/L afterward, indicating a reduction of approximately 39%. A paired-samples t test confirmed that this decrease was statistically significant, t (109) = 11.92, p < .001.

The seasonal decline suggests that monsoon rainfall enhances dilution, improves aquifer flushing, and promotes mixing of fresher recharge water with stored groundwater. However, persistently elevated values at several sites indicate continued influence from agricultural inputs, wastewater seepage, and geogenic weathering processes. Comparison with drinking-water guidelines indicates that although quality improves after the monsoon, some wells remain unsuitable for direct consumption. The findings emphasize the need for sustained monitoring, regulated land-use practices, and integrated groundwater management strategies across monsoon-driven regions.

Topographic Influence on Soil Physicochemical Properties along the Volcanic Slopes of Mount Cameroon

Usongo A. Patience — 2026-03-28

Understanding how topography shapes soil properties is critical for sustainable land management in mountainous agro-ecosystems. This study examined the influence of slope position on soil physicochemical properties along the southeastern slope of Mount Cameroon. A stratified sampling approach was adopted, and twelve composite soil samples were collected from three slope positions: lowland, mid-slope, and upper slope. Samples were obtained from major crop farms cultivating maize, plantain, and vegetables, while an undisturbed agro-forest served as a control. Each composite sample consisted of six sub-samples collected from a depth of 0–15 cm. Standard laboratory procedures were used to determine soil texture (hydrometer method), organic matter (Walkley–Black oxidation), total nitrogen (Kjeldahl digestion), available phosphorus (Bray-1 extraction), exchangeable potassium (flame photometry), bulk density (core method), and moisture content. One-way ANOVA results indicated that seven of the eight measured soil properties varied significantly with slope position (p < 0.05). Total nitrogen, available phosphorus, bulk density, moisture content, and particle size fractions showed particularly strong differences, with F-values ranging from 4.52 to 3286.47, confirming a strong topographic influence. Lower slopes contained higher nutrient concentrations (0.160% nitrogen and 14.5 mg/kg phosphorus), finer soil fractions (45.2%), and higher moisture content (27.5%). In contrast, upper slopes exhibited greater soil compaction (1.38 g/cm³ bulk density), coarser textures (71.9% coarse fraction), and lower fertility levels (0.090% nitrogen and 12.0 mg/kg phosphorus). Pearson correlation analysis revealed strong relationships among soil properties, particularly between moisture and nitrogen (r = 0.85), fine fraction (r = 0.78), and bulk density (r = −0.80). Exchangeable potassium showed no significant variation across slope positions (p = 0.420), likely due to continuous weathering of volcanic parent materials. These findings highlight the need for slope-specific soil management strategies in volcanic mountain landscapes.

Spatial–Temporal Assessment of Urban River Contamination Dynamics: Water Quality Index and Pollution Index of Pune Metropolitan Region, India

Lalit Thakare — 2026-04-02

Aims: To evaluate Water Quality Index (WQI) and Comprehensive Pollution Index (CPI) across 13 sites of the Mula-Mutha river systems flowing through Pune Metropolitan Region, identify spatiotemporal pollution hotspots, and recommend sewage treatment plant (STP) interventions for policymakers.

Study Design: A five-year observational study analysed water quality using basic statistics and advanced methods like PCA, factor analysis, correlation, and cluster analysis on physical, chemical, and biological parameters.

Place and Duration of Study: The investigation was carried out along the Mula-Mutha river systems within the Pune Metropolitan Region, Maharashtra, India, spanning from January 2020 to December 2024.

Methodology: 390 water samples collected from 13 sites were analysed for pH, EC, TDS, BOD, COD, DO, Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, Mg²⁺ and other parameters using standard methods. BIS-WQI and CPI were calculated; multivariate techniques were used to identify pollution sources and spatial patterns.

Results: Physicochemical parameters showed moderate alkalinity with frequent BIS limit exceedances: pH 7.36–8.06, TDS 57–633 mg/L, BOD 8.9–298 mg/L, low DO 2.8–5.2 mg/L (r=-0.44 with BOD). Mula River sites exhibited greater deterioration than Mutha. PCA explained 65.71% anthropogenic pollution variance; strong correlations included TDS-hardness (r=0.984), EC-BOD (r=0.842). Cluster analysis identified clean upstream sites (S-9, S-1) vs. downstream hotspots (S-3, S-7, S-10); WQI-CPI classified most sites as poor at urban confluences.

Conclusion: The findings highlight progressive urban-induced degradation of the Mula-Mutha river system, needing prioritised installation and upgrading of STPs at identified pollution hotspots to mitigate ecological risks and safeguard public health. Study methodology applicable to global urban river systems for contamination mapping and policy intervention.

Assessment of the Spatiotemporal Variations of Soil Moisture Content in Louisiana from 2020 to 2025 Hydrological Year Using Remote Sensing (NDMI Method)

Tolulope Uriel Olowu — 2026-04-02

Moisture variability plays a critical role in land–atmosphere interactions, ecosystem health, and environmental sustainability, particularly in regions experiencing increasing climatic variability. This study assesses the spatiotemporal variation of surface soil moisture conditions using remote sensing techniques and the Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI). Multispectral satellite imagery was acquired and processed to generate NDMI maps that capture changes in vegetation and surface moisture in Louisiana. Image processing and spatial analysis were carried out using geographic information system (GIS) tools to examine temporal trends and spatial patterns of moisture distribution. The results reveal distinct spatial heterogeneity and temporal fluctuations in moisture conditions across the study area. Areas with higher NDMI values indicate relatively high moisture content and healthier vegetation, while lower NDMI values correspond to moisture-stressed zones, bare surfaces, or areas undergoing land-use change. Seasonal variations reflect the influence of rainfall patterns, vegetation phenology, and anthropogenic activities on surface moisture dynamics. The analysis demonstrates that NDMI effectively captures moisture variations in soil and provides a reliable means of monitoring environmental conditions over time. This study highlights the usefulness of satellite-based NDMI for assessing moisture variability at regional scales and underscores its potential application in environmental monitoring, land-use planning, agricultural management, and climate-related studies. The findings contribute to improved understanding of surface moisture dynamics and support evidence-based decision-making for sustainable environmental management.

Integrating Landscaping for Environmental Sustainability and Biodiversity Conservation

Purushottam Kumar Nandu — 2026-03-17

Landscaping has evolved beyond its traditional aesthetic role and is now recognized as an important strategy for addressing environmental challenges in urban and peri-urban areas. Sustainable landscaping improves air and water quality, enhances biodiversity, reduces urban heat, and strengthens ecological connectivity through the use of native plants and green infrastructure. It also contributes to climate change mitigation and adaptation by regulating microclimates and managing stormwater. Advances in technology, community participation, and supportive policies are further promoting the adoption of sustainable landscape practices. Overall, sustainable landscaping plays a crucial role in developing climate-resilient cities and creating healthier, greener, and more livable environments for future generations.