Assessing the Effects of Urban Expansion on Agricultural Productivity and Soil Health in Sahiwal District

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of urbanization on land use and agricultural productivity in Sahiwal, Punjab, Pakistan, with a focus on the effects of rapid urban expansion and land use changes on local climate and soil quality. Utilizing high-resolution satellite imagery, Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis, soil sampling, and field surveys, the research examines changes in land use from 1981 to 2022, highlighting a significant shift from agricultural land to urban development. The study also assesses the climatic and agricultural consequences of these changes, including alterations in land surface temperature (LST) and soil fertility. Findings reveal a substantial increase in built-up areas, a decrease in vegetation, and challenges in soil quality, including deficiencies in organic matter and phosphorus. The results underscore the pressing need for integrated urban and agricultural planning to address the tradeoffs between development and agricultural sustainability, emphasizing the importance of improved soil management and irrigation practices in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.