Determining and Mapping of Soil Erodibility Index for Nongpoh Watershed

Abstract

The soil erodibility factor (K) is a derivative of the soil physical properties such as particles size distribution, soil aggregation, infiltration as well as soil organic matter content. Soils with faster infiltration rates, higher levels of organic matter and improved structure have a greater resistance to erosion. It is an important parameter in the estimation of soil erosion in models like Universal Soil Loss Equation and its modified forms. In the present study the main objective was to determine the soil erodibility indices of Nongpoh watershed of Meghalaya so that the values of the soil erodibility index can be established for future works.
Soil Physical Properties Analysis method and interpolation techniques in ArcGIS environment were used for determination of ‘K’ factor in different transacts of Nongpoh watershed (Meghalaya). The K factor of the study area was ranging from 0.12 to 0.23 with an average of 0.18. The K factor was calculated  separately for the three Transacts of the study area. The result showed that, the all Transacts having similar average K values of 0.18 to 0.19. The study indicated that the soil of study area is more susceptible to water erosion.