Fundamentals of Soil Science (1+1)

Land Capability Classification

Land Capability Classification

• Land capability classification (LCC) may be defined as a system of grouping land in to various classes based on inherent limitations imposed on sustained use by soil attributes, topography, drainage and climate.
• The guiding principle underlying LCC is “use land according to its capability and treat it as per its need”. The capability classes falls in two groups, one suited for cultivation and other not suited for cultivation.
• Each group is further sub-divided in to four capability based on intensity of hazards and limitations of use. The subclasses are further divides in to unit based on a specific management practice.
• Thus land is classified in to eight land capability classes under two broad groups as:
• Land suitable for agriculture and other uses which include class I to class IV lands.
• Land not suitable for agriculture but very well suited for forestry, grass land and wild life which include class V to class VIII lands.
• On map, the capability classes are indicated in different colours as Green (I), Yellow (II), Pink (III), Blue (IV), Dark green (V), Orange (VI), Red (VII), Purple (VIII). Detailed characteristics of each class are given in Table 4.

Table 4: Salient features of Land Capability Classes (LCC)

LCC	Characteristics
Land Suitable for Cultivation
I	Very good cultivable, deep, nearly level productive land with almost no limitation or very slight hazard. Soils in this class are suited for a variety of crops, including wheat, barely, cotton, maize, tomato and bean. Need no special practices for cultivation
II	Good cultivable land on almost level plain or on gentle slopes, moderate depth, subject to occasional overland flow, may require drainage, moderate risk of damage when cultivated, use crop rotations, water control system or special tillage practices to control erosion
III	Soils are of moderate fertility on moderate steep slopes subject to more sever erosion and severe risk of damage but can be used for crops provided adequate plant cover is maintained, hay or other sod crops should be grown instead of row crops.
IV	These are good soils on steep slopes, subject to severe erosion, with severe risk of damage but may be cultivated occasionally if handled with great care, keep in hay or pasture but a grain crop may be grown once in 5 or 6 years.
Land unsuitable for cultivation but suitable for permanent vegetation
V	Land is too wet or stony which make it unsuitable for cultivation of crops, subject to only slight erosion if properly managed, should be used for pasture or forestry but grazing should be regulated to prevent cover from being destroyed.
VI	These are shallow soils on steep slopes, used for grazing and forestry; grazing should be regulated to preserve plant cover; if the plant cover is destroyed, use should be restricted until cover is re-established.
VII	These are steep, rough, eroded lands with shallow soils, also includes droughtly and swampy land, severe risk of damage even when used for pasture or forestry, strict grazing or forest management must be applied
VIII	Very rough land, not suitable even for woodland or grazing, reserve for wild life, recreation or wasteland consideration.