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Empirical Modeling of Soil Loss and Yield Utilizing RUSLE and SYI: A Geospatial Study in South Sikkim, Teesta Basin

Author

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  • Md Nawazuzzoha

    (Department of Geography, Faculty of Science, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India)

  • Md. Mamoon Rashid

    (Department of Geography, Faculty of Science, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India)

  • Prabuddh Kumar Mishra

    (Department of Geography, Shivaji College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110027, India)

  • Kamal Abdelrahman

    (Department of Geology and Geophysics, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia)

  • Mohammed S. Fnais

    (Department of Geology and Geophysics, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia)

  • Hasan Raja Naqvi

    (Department of Geography, Faculty of Science, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India)

Abstract

Soil erosion and subsequent sedimentation pose significant challenges in the Sikkim Himalayas. In this study, we conducted an assessment of the impact of rainfall-induced soil erosion and sediment loss in South Sikkim, which falls within the Teesta Basin, employing Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and Sediment Yield Index (SYI) models. Leveraging mean annual precipitation data, a detailed soil map, geomorphological landforms, Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), and LANDSAT 8 OLI data were used to prepare the factorial maps of South Sikkim. The results of the RUSLE and SYI models revealed annual soil loss >200 t ha −1 yr −1 , whereas mean values were estimated to be 93.42 t ha −1 yr −1 and 70.3 t ha −1 yr −1 , respectively. Interestingly, both models displayed similar degrees of soil loss in corresponding regions under the various severity classes. Notably, low-severity erosion <50 t ha −1 yr −1 was predominantly observed in the valley sides in low-elevation zones, while areas with severe erosion rates >200 t ha −1 yr −1 were concentrated in the upper reaches, characterized by steep slopes. These findings underscore the strong correlation between erosion rates and topography, which makes the region highly vulnerable to erosion. The prioritization of such regions and potential conservation methods need to be adopted to protect such precious natural resources in mountainous regions.

Suggested Citation

  • Md Nawazuzzoha & Md. Mamoon Rashid & Prabuddh Kumar Mishra & Kamal Abdelrahman & Mohammed S. Fnais & Hasan Raja Naqvi, 2024. "Empirical Modeling of Soil Loss and Yield Utilizing RUSLE and SYI: A Geospatial Study in South Sikkim, Teesta Basin," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-17, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:13:y:2024:i:10:p:1621-:d:1492874
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jinghu Pan & Yan Wen, 2014. "Estimation of soil erosion using RUSLE in Caijiamiao watershed, China," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 71(3), pages 2187-2205, April.
    2. David Pimentel, 2006. "Soil Erosion: A Food and Environmental Threat," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 8(1), pages 119-137, February.
    3. Luca Montanarella, 2015. "Agricultural policy: Govern our soils," Nature, Nature, vol. 528(7580), pages 32-33, December.
    4. P. Dabral & Neelakshi Baithuri & Ashish Pandey, 2008. "Soil Erosion Assessment in a Hilly Catchment of North Eastern India Using USLE, GIS and Remote Sensing," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 22(12), pages 1783-1798, December.
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