Revolutionising soil mapping with artificialintelligence and remote sensing

Abstract

Digital Soil Mapping (DSM) is transforming soil resource assessment in India by integrating advanced techniques such as remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS) and machine learning. Traditional soil mapping methods, while foundational, are labour-intensive and often lack the spatial precision required for modern land management. DSM overcomes these limitations by
providing high-resolution, updatable soil information which is very critical for precision agriculture, climate adaptation, and land use planning. This article highlights India's progress in soil mapping, including major initiatives by ICAR-NBSS&LUP and State Land Use Survey of India (SLUSI), as well as the role of the ‘Bhoomi Geoportal’ in making soil data accessible. With DSM, policymakers and farmers can make informed decisions to optimise land use, enhance agricultural productivity, and promote sustainable resource management. The integration of artificial intelligence and highperformance computing further strengthens DSM's predictive capabilities, ensuring its role in shaping India's future agricultural landscape.