Abstract

Understanding land use patterns is crucial for promoting sustainable development, efficient resource management, and regional planning, particularly in areas with unique geographical and climatic features, such as Khadimnagar in the Sylhet district of Bangladesh. Effective land management is essential for sustainability, especially in regions where distinctive topographical and climatic conditions influence land dynamics. Proper drainage systems play a vital role in maintaining crop health and mitigating issues like soil erosion and waterlogging, with their effectiveness often linked to the underlying soil types such as clay loam, sandy, and sandy loam which vary in their water retention and drainage capacities, directly impacting agricultural productivity. This study investigates the land use distribution, soil composition, and drainage conditions within Khadimnagar, a region characterized by its tropical monsoon climate and highland terrain, differentiating it from other regions in Bangladesh. Utilizing GIS tools and field surveys across 140 plots, the research provides an in-depth analysis of soil characteristics and land usage patterns. The findings reveal that 23.57% of the land is allocated to agricultural purposes, with clay loam soil types being predominant (46.43%) and grey-colored soils constituting 32.14% of the area. The majority of plots exhibit moderate drainage quality, and notably, 74.38% of the surveyed area remains unaffected by flooding. These findings are instrumental in informing public policies and developmental strategies that aim to support sustainable land use practices, environmental conservation, and agricultural sustainability in the region.

Key words: Land use patterns, sustainable development, resource management, drainage systems, soil composition, agricultural productivity, GIS analysis, Khadimnagar, Sylhet district, clay loam, soil drainage, environmental conservation and public policy.