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Pixel-Based Soil Loss Estimation and Prioritization of North-Western Himalayan Catchment Based on Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE)

Author

Listed:
  • Shishant Gupta

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee 247667, India)

  • Chandra Shekhar Prasad Ojha

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee 247667, India)

  • Vijay P. Singh

    (Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering, and Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA)

  • Adebayo J. Adeloye

    (Institute of Infrastructure and Environment, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK)

  • Sanjay K. Jain

    (Water Resources Systems Division, National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee 247667, India)

Abstract

Land degradation is a noteworthy environmental risk causing water quality issues, reservoir siltation, and loss of valuable arable lands, all of which negate sustainable development. Analysis of the effect of land use changes on erosion rate and sediment yield is particularly useful to identify critical areas and define catchment-area treatment plans. This study utilized remote sensing and geographical information system/science (GIS) techniques combined with the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) on a pixel basis to estimate soil loss over space and time and prioritized areas for action. The methodology was applied to the Sutlej catchment from the perspective of sedimentation of the Bhakra reservoir, which is leading to the loss of active storage capacity and performance and of the safety and efficiency of many existing hydroelectric projects in the Sutlej and its tributaries that drain the Himalayas. Soil loss estimation using RUSLE was first calibrated using data from three sites, and the calibrated model was then used to estimate catchment soil loss for 21 years (1995–2015). The number of land use/land cover (LULC) classes as 14 and the C factor as 0.63 for agriculture land were optimized using the observed data for the Sutlej catchment. Further, the linkage between soil erosivity and annual precipitation was also established. It was concluded that extensive control treatment would be necessary from the soil and water conservation point of view. Structures like check dams, terraces, bunds, and diversion drains in the upstream can overcome the issue of fragmentation of soil in the Sutlej catchment.

Suggested Citation

  • Shishant Gupta & Chandra Shekhar Prasad Ojha & Vijay P. Singh & Adebayo J. Adeloye & Sanjay K. Jain, 2023. "Pixel-Based Soil Loss Estimation and Prioritization of North-Western Himalayan Catchment Based on Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-21, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:20:p:15177-:d:1265641
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ashoke Basistha & D. Arya & N. Goel, 2008. "Spatial Distribution of Rainfall in Indian Himalayas – A Case Study of Uttarakhand Region," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 22(10), pages 1325-1346, October.
    2. Ashish Pandey & V. Chowdary & B. Mal, 2007. "Identification of critical erosion prone areas in the small agricultural watershed 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. 21(4), pages 729-746, April.
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