A Modified SLEMSA Model to Estimate Soil Loss from Naurar Subcatchment of Ramganga River Basin

Abstract

The Soil Loss Estimation Model for South Africa (SLEMSA),is similar to the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model of the U.S.A., but the former has an advantage, that the determination of its parameters is much simpler as compared to the RUSLE model. For the application and testing of the SLEMSA model on the Naurar watershed, the rate of soil loss from each of the land use activities of the watershed was estimated by the RUSLE model due to lack of recorded data. SLEMSA model consists of three multiple sub models, viz., principle sub model(K,), canopy cover sub model (C,), and topographic sub model (X,). It was found that SLEMSA model needed a modification. The P-factor of the RUSLE model could be included in a fourth sub model of the SLEMSA in addition to the previous three. The modified SLEMSA model were soil losses estimated by the found similar to these estimated by RUSLE model by for all types of land uses on the watershed.