An Estimation of Annual Soil Loss using Integrated Approach of RUSLE and Geospatial Techniques: A Case Study of Upper-Krishna River Basin, India

Abstract

Soil erosion, a critical environmental concern primarily driven by natural forces but exacerbated by human activities, necessitates effective management strategies. This study employs the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) alongside geospatial technologies to assess annual soil erosion in the Upper-Krishna river basin. The computation of erosion involves collating diverse data from various sources, each presented in varied formats and scales. Leveraging geospatial technology, specifically ArcGIS 10.8.2, facilitates the organization and analysis of geographical data, streamlining the evaluation of factors contributing to soil erosion. The research encompasses the calculation of key variables- rainfall erosivity, slope length and steepness, land cover management, soil erodibility, and soil conservation—all integral components of erosion risk assessment. The multiplication of these factors yields the average annual soil loss. Notably, the model predicts a low erosion risk for 81% of the study area, with only 4% identified as having a high risk. The analysis further reveals that the Upper-Krishna River Basin experiences an annual average soil loss of approximately 132,072,887 tons in 55,692 km2 area, as per the RUSLE model. These findings advocate for the implementation of integrated erosion control techniques, particularly in regions identified as severely affected.