Integrating RUSLE and SDR in GIS framework for assessment of soil erosion and sediment yield in Kandi region of Punjab

Authors

  • Abrar Yousuf Punjab Agricultural University-Regional Research Station, Ballowal Saunkhri, Balachaur, SBS Nagar, Punjab Author
  • Navneet Sharma International Water Management Institute, New Delhi Author
  • Amanpreet Kaur Benipal Punjab Remote Sensing Centre, Ludhiana, Punjab. Author
  • M.J. Singh Punjab Agricultural University-Regional Research Station, Ballowal Saunkhri, Balachaur, SBS Nagar, Punjab Author
  • Pravin Dahiphale Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab Author

Keywords:

Earthen dam, Erosion, Kandi, RUSLE, Sediment delivery ratio

Abstract

Soil erosion continues to be one of the serious environmental problems that hinder the sustainable agriculture. The Kandi region is identified as one of the most degraded ecosystem of India and is severely affected by soil erosion. Therefore, it is necessary to estimate the soil erosion in this region for successful implementation of appropriate soil and water conservation measures for sustainable agriculture. The present study was conducted to estimate the soil erosion and sediment yield for a small earthen dam using Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) integrated with the sediment delivery ratio (SDR) model in the GIS environment. The various input factors for RUSLE model (R factor, K factor, LS factor, C factor and P factor) were prepared as raster layers in ArcGIS to estimate the average annual soil loss. The various empirical formulae were used to obtain the SDR for the dam catchment. The results showed that the average annual soil loss varied from 0 to 8.94 t ha-1yr-1 which accounted to total soil loss of about 361319.45 tonnes. The average SDR was found to be 0.581 which indicates that about 58.1% of total generated sediments (209926.6 tonnes) have deposited the dam. The implementation of various soil conservation structures in the catchment would reduce the soil loss and sediment yield which may increase the life of the earthen dam. The results of the present study may provide an insight for policy makers to design and execute the watershed management practices to reduce erosion hazard and sediment accumulation in the small reservoirs.

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Published

2024-12-11

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Articles