Simulating and forecasting soil-salinisation evolution: A case study on Changling County, Jilin province, China

Abstract

Soil-salinisation has become an increasingly severe form of soil degradation due to climate variability and human disturbance in arid and semi-arid areas. A cellular automata (CA) model was used by integrating a geographic inform ation system (GIS) and remote sensing. Spatial and attribute data from Changling County were analysed to form a database in the GIS. Factors for soil-salinisation were confirmed. A soil salinity forecast formula was obtained by analysing the soil-salinisation system in Changling County. The CA model and database were integrated to simulate and forecast the soil-salinisation spatial-temporal distribution and its evolution. The results indicate the CA model is an effective decision-making support system for the prevention and control of soil-salinisation. © 2007 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.