4. Development of Weekly Runoff Estimation Models using Conservation Factor Approach

Abstract

In view of limited available recorded data of watershed runoff, soil and water conservation plans are developed on the basis of estimated runoff. In the present study, weekly runoff estimation models were developed adopting the Conservation Factor concept for eight different micro watersheds of Barapani and were validated in four micro watersheds of Burnihat, both located in the same agro-ecological region in Meghalaya. To develop these models, weekly rainfall (R), slope factor (s), and conservation factor (CF), combined in the form of R(s/CF) was termed as water yield producing factor (X). Regression relationships were developed between water yield and the above factor. The regression-predicted weekly runoff values were compared with the observed runoff. The average absolute deviation between the observed and the predicted runoff in the four micro watersheds at Burnihat varied between 11 and 22 per cent.