This study investigates the significant impact of landforms and slope on agricultural cropping patterns in

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar District, Maharashtra. Employing a mixed-methods approach, combining

geospatial analysis and field observations, the research reveals a strong correlation between the district’s

diverse topography and its agricultural productivity. The fertile, flat plains of the Godavari basin, supported by

robust irrigation systems, are predominantly utilized for water-intensive crops such as sugarcane and cotton. In

Agriculture in India has always been deeply influenced by the physical environment, with landforms and slope

acting as decisive factors in shaping cropping patterns. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, situated on the

Deccan Plateau of Maharashtra, provides an ideal setting to study this relationship due to its marked

geomorphological diversity. The district encompasses fertile river basins formed by the Godavari and its

tributaries, alongside the rugged and elevated terrain of the Satmala and Ajanta ranges. Such contrasts in

topography create distinct agricultural zones, where the choice of crops and farming practices are closely

aligned with land characteristics.

systematically analysing how geomorphological conditions influence crop distribution. Understanding these

relationships is crucial in the context of sustainable agriculture, as it helps optimise land use while preserving

ecological balance. This paper seeks to bridge this gap by employing geospatial analysis and field-based

observations to examine how landforms and slope govern agricultural patterns across Chhatrapati

Sambhajinagar district, with implications for long-term food security and resource management.

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, located in the central part of the state, is an elevated land that has been

incised by the Godavari River and its tributaries in the southern part. Except for a little part in the north and

district measures between 19

53’ north to 20

40’ north latitude and 74

39

east to 76

zone.

The study area consists of nine tahsils, viz. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Khultabad Kannad, Soygaon, Sillod,

Paithan, Gangapur, Vaijapur, and Phulambri.

This research uses a combined-methods technique. Geospatial evaluation was used to overlay a virtual

elevation model (DEM) of Sambhajinagar district with land use and cropping sample maps. This allowed

for the spatial correlation of topographical capabilities with specific agricultural activities. Field surveys and

farmer interviews had been performed in selected villages representing special landform regions (e.g., flat

Chh. Sambhajinagar district has diversity in the prospective southern part of the district, normally reaching 520

border of the district goes to the Sahyadri branches.

Sahyadri mountain from Maharashtra goes into Satmala and Ajintha ranges, and a subpart of it ranges are

known as the hills of Chowka, Satmala Mountain Hills, the mountains of Daulatabad, the hills of Verul

(Ellora), and some mountain has peaks with their height from sea level Mhaismal 913 m, Sirsala 840 m,

950 m above sea level, and the plateau region is formed by igneous rocks of 460 to 600 m. high above sea

level. It has a slope from west to east.

A contour map uses lines to represent points of equal elevation above sea level. This specific map shows the

elevation of the district in 50-meter intervals. The closer the lines are to each other, the steeper the slope, while

lines that are far apart indicate a flatter terrain.

district. This indicates a mountainous or hilly terrain with steep slopes. The contour lines in these areas reach

progressively steeper as you move from the central plains towards the northern and western hill ranges. This

In essence, the contour map provides a detailed look at the physical landscape of the Chhatrapati

lying, flat river basins.

Elevation Map:

This map is a visual representation of the land's height above sea level, with different colors indicating

different elevations.

lowest areas, marked in light green, are around 245 meters, while the highest points, shown in brown and

white, reach up to 966 meters.

depicted in various shades of green, indicating their relatively low and flat topography. These areas correspond

to the fertile Godavari river basin.

plains in the center and south, which is a key factor influencing agricultural practices and land use in the

district.

Plane regions of Chh. Sambhajinagar district come in the Godavari basin, and the average height of the region

district. It is called the southern Ganga, and Sambhajinagar is also called the river’s land. This region lies to

the west of the Ajantas mountain region and stretches all the way to the south. There are two parts of this

region, the Godavari and Shivana valleys, and the second is the Tapi valley.

The Godavari and Shivana valleys lie to the south and west side of the Ajanta region. Kannad tahsil comes in

the eastern part, and tahsils such as Gangapur and Vaijapur lie in this region entirely. The second part is the

Tapi Valley region. The Tapi valley region lies north of the Ajintha mountain range, and some parts of

Soygaon and Kannad tahasil fall within this region.

terrain, have thin, rocky soils with poor water retention. Right here, agriculture is essentially rain-fed,

specializing in hardy, low-enter plants like bajra, jowar, and pulses such as tur and gram. Those crops are

nicely suited to dry conditions and require minimal soil preparation.

Slope is an important element influencing both soil and water management.

Mild Slopes and Flatlands: In these areas, water runoff is slight, leading to higher soil moisture retention. This

allows farmers to grow crops that require consistent watering and allows for the construction of irrigation

channels and bore wells.

Steeper Slopes: On steeper slopes, speedy water runoff causes vast soil erosion, making the land less

fertile. Farmers frequently practice contour farming or terracing to mitigate this. The crops grown right here

Sambhajinagar,

Jowar (Sorghum),

Shallow soils, steep

Kannad, Soygaon, Sillod

(gram, mung, urad),

Groundnut, Minor Millets

Vegetables (tomato, onion, brinjal, etc., near market centres)

The findings underscore that geomorphological factors are not merely incidental but are fundamental

region have, over generations, developed a system that is both productive and adapted to the environmental

resource efficiency, and promote environmental sustainability, thereby securing the region's food supply for

the future.

Sambhajinagar district. The dichotomy between the fertile, irrigated plains and the rain-fed, drought-

inclined hills dictates which plants thrive in each region. To ensure the long-term sustainability of agriculture

in the vicinity, destination guidelines should cognizance on promoting water-efficient farming in the plains and

inspire the use of soil conservation techniques in hilly areas. This strategic alignment of farming practices with

9. Patil S. B. (2008). “Geomorphology and Settlement in dhule district (m.s.)

10. Unpublished Ph.D thesis submitted to North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon.