Land Quality Index
Full Form of LQI
What is LQI?
The Land Quality Index (LQI) is a composite environmental indicator that quantifies the health and productivity of land by integrating parameters such as soil fertility, moisture content, organic carbon, erosion risk, and contamination levels. It is commonly derived from remote sensing data, field surveys, and laboratory analyses, providing a standardized metric for land degradation assessment. In India, the LQI is used extensively by agencies like the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and the National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP) for monitoring desertification, planning watershed management, and evaluating agricultural sustainability. It is also a critical tool for urban planners to identify areas suitable for infrastructure development and for policymakers implementing the Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) targets under the UNCCD. The LQI is frequently referenced in environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and appears in the syllabi of competitive exams such as the UPSC Civil Services Examination (specifically in Geography and Environment papers) and state-level forest service exams. Its use has grown with India’s emphasis on sustainable land management and climate resilience programs like the National Mission for Green India.
LQI का फुल फॉर्म
भूमि गुणवत्ता सूचकांक
Example
The state government used the LQI map to prioritise funding for soil conservation projects in districts with the lowest land quality scores.