scholarly journals Water Erosion Monitoring and Prediction in Response to the Effects of Climate Change Using RUSLE and SWAT Equations: Case of R’Dom Watershed in Morocco

Land ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 93
Author(s):  
Abdennabi Alitane ◽  
Ali Essahlaoui ◽  
Mohammed El Hafyani ◽  
Abdellah El Hmaidi ◽  
Anas El Ouali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Swat Model ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Mediterranean Ecosystems ◽  
Baseline Period ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Rainfall Prediction ◽  
Soil Erosion Rate

Soil erosion is an increasingly issue worldwide, due to several factors including climate variations and humans’ activities, especially in Mediterranean ecosystems. Therefore, the aim of this paper is: (i) to quantify and to predict soil erosion rate for the baseline period (2000–2013) and a future period (2014–2027), using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model in the R’Dom watershed in Morocco, based on the opportunities of Remote Sensing (RS) techniques and Geographical Information System (GIS) geospatial tools. (ii) we based on classical statistical downscaling model (SDSM) for rainfall prediction. Due to the lack of field data, the model results are validated by expert knowledge. As a result of this study, it is found that both agricultural lands and bare lands are most affected by soil erosion. Moreover, it is showed that soil erosion in the watershed was dominated by very low and low erosion. Although the area of very low erosion and low erosion continued to decrease. Hence, we hereby envisage that our contribution will provide a more complete understanding of the soil degradation in this study area and the results of this research could be a crucial reference in soil erosion studies and also may serve as a valuable guidance for watershed management strategies.

scholarly journals Prioritization of Sub-Watersheds to Sediment Yield and Evaluation of Best Management Practices in Highland Ethiopia, Finchaa Catchment

Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 650
Author(s):  
Wakjira Takala Dibaba ◽  
Tamene Adugna Demissie ◽  
Konrad Miegel
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Sediment Yield ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Swat Model ◽  
Sediment Yields ◽  
Soil And Water

Excessive soil loss and sediment yield in the highlands of Ethiopia are the primary factors that accelerate the decline of land productivity, water resources, operation and function of existing water infrastructure, as well as soil and water management practices. This study was conducted at Finchaa catchment in the Upper Blue Nile basin of Ethiopia to estimate the rate of soil erosion and sediment loss and prioritize the most sensitive sub-watersheds using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model. The SWAT model was calibrated and validated using the observed streamflow and sediment data. The average annual sediment yield (SY) in Finchaa catchment for the period 1990–2015 was 36.47 ton ha−1 yr−1 with the annual yield varying from negligible to about 107.2 ton ha−1 yr−1. Five sub-basins which account for about 24.83% of the area were predicted to suffer severely from soil erosion risks, with SY in excess of 50 ton ha−1 yr−1. Only 15.05% of the area within the tolerable rate of loss (below 11 ton ha−1yr−1) was considered as the least prioritized areas for maintenance of crop production. Despite the reasonable reduction of sediment yields by the management scenarios, the reduction by contour farming, slope terracing, zero free grazing and reforestation were still above the tolerable soil loss. Vegetative contour strips and soil bund were significant in reducing SY below the tolerable soil loss, which is equivalent to 63.9% and 64.8% reduction, respectively. In general, effective and sustainable soil erosion management requires not only prioritizations of the erosion hotspots but also prioritizations of the most effective management practices. We believe that the results provided new and updated insights that enable a proactive approach to preserve the soil and reduce land degradation risks that could allow resource regeneration.

scholarly journals Evaluating and Predicting the Effects of Land Use Changes on Hydrology in Wami River Basin, Tanzania

Hydrology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sekela Twisa ◽  
Shija Kazumba ◽  
Mathew Kurian ◽  
Manfred F. Buchroithner
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Swat Model ◽  
Land Use Changes ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
River System ◽  
Least Squares Regression ◽  
Natural Forests ◽  
The Impact

Understanding the variation in the hydrological response of a basin associated with land use changes is essential for developing management strategies for water resources. The impact of hydrological changes caused by expected land use changes may be severe for the Wami river system, given its role as a crucial area for water, providing food and livelihoods. The objective of this study is to examine the influence of land use changes on various elements of the hydrological processes of the basin. Hybrid classification, which includes unsupervised and supervised classification techniques, is used to process the images (2000 and 2016), while CA–Markov chain analysis is used to forecast and simulate the 2032 land use state. In the current study, a combined approach—including a Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model and Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR)—is used to explore the influences of individual land use classes on fluctuations in the hydrological components. From the study, it is evident that land use has changed across the basin since 2000 (which is expected to continue in 2032), as well as that the hydrological effects caused by land use changes were observed. It has been found that the major land use changes that affected hydrology components in the basin were expansion of cultivation land, built-up area and grassland, and decline in natural forests and woodland during the study period. These findings provide baseline information for decision-makers and stakeholders concerning land and water resources for better planning and management decisions in the basin resources’ use.

scholarly journals Flooding Urban Landscapes: Analysis Using Combined Hydrodynamic and Hydrologic Modeling Approaches

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 1986 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manoj Jha ◽  
Sayma Afreen
Keyword(s):  
Flood Risk ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Swat Model ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Hydrologic Model ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Critical Infrastructures ◽  
Urban Landscapes

The frequency and severity of floods have been found to increase in recent decades, which have adverse effects on the environment, economics, and human lives. The catastrophe of such floods can be confronted with the advance prediction of floods and reliable analyses methods. This study developed a combined flood modeling system for the prediction of floods, and analysis of associated vulnerabilities on urban infrastructures. The application of the method was tested on the Blue River urban watershed in Missouri, USA, a watershed of historical significance for flood impacts and abundance of data availability for such analyses. The combined modeling system included two models: hydrodynamic model HEC-RAS (Hydrologic Engineering Center—River Analysis System) and hydrologic model SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool). The SWAT model was developed for the watershed to predict time-series hydrograph data at desired locations, followed by the setup of HEC-RAS model for the analysis and prediction of flood extent. Both models were calibrated and validated independently using the observed data. The well-calibrated modeling setup was used to assess the extent of impacts of the hazard by identifying the flood risk zones and threatened critical infrastructures in flood zones through inundation mapping. Results demonstrate the usefulness of such combined modeling systems to predict the extent of flood inundation and thus support analyses of management strategies to deal with the risks associated with critical infrastructures in an urban setting. This approach will ultimately help with the integration of flood risk assessment information in the urban planning process.

scholarly journals Calibration, Validation and Performance Evaluation of Swat Model for Sediment Yield Modelling in Megech Reservoir Catchment, Ethiopia

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 21-31
Author(s):  
Abebe Tarko Assfaw
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Sediment Yield ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Hydrological Modeling ◽  
Swat Model ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Model Performance ◽  
Performance Standard ◽  
Agricultural Practice ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Intensive agricultural practice in Ethiopian highlands results in increasing rates of soil erosion and reservoir sedimentation. The estimation of sediment yield and prediction of the spatial distribution of soil erosion on the upper Megech reservoir catchment enables the local governments and policymakers to maximize the design span life of the Megech reservoir through implementing appropriate soil conservation practices. For this study, the sediment yield was estimated and analyzed through hydrological modeling (SWAT). The simulated outputs of the model show that the mean annual surface runoff was 282 mm and the mean annual streamflow was 153 m3/s. Similarly, 12.33 t/ha mean annual total sediment load gets into the Megech reservoir. The model performance standard used to evaluate the model result indicates that the model was superior in performing the trend of runoff and sediment yield in both calibration and validation periods. Finally, the most erosion vulnerable sub-basins that could have a significant impact on the sediment yield of the reservoir were identified. Based on this, sub-basin 7, 25, 27, 18 and 29 were found to be the most erosion sensitive areas that could have a significant contribution to the increment of sediment yield in the Megech reservoir. Considering the land use, soil type, slope, and relief of erosion vulnerable sub-basins cut off drains, fallow land, contour ploughing, Fanya juu terraces, soil bunds combined with trenches and trees could be the possible management strategies to reduce the sediment yield in the catchment.

The Impacts of Land-Use Change Patterns on Soil Erosion in the Xixian Basin, China

2015 ◽  
Vol 737 ◽  
pp. 762-765 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Yuan Han ◽  
Tao Cai
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Time Series ◽  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Land Use Change ◽  
Sediment Yield ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Swat Model ◽  
Huaihe River ◽  
Soil And Water

To investigate the impacts of land-use patterns on the sediment yield characteristics in the upper Huaihe River, Xixian hydrological controlling station was selected as the case study site. Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was used to simulate land-use change effects on sediment yield by the use of three-phase (1980s, 1990s and 2000s) land-use maps, soil type map (1:200000) and 1987 to 2008 daily time series of rainfall from the upper Huaihe River basin. On the basis of the simulated time series of daily sediment concentration, land-use change effects on spatio-temporal change patterns of soil erosion modulus. The results revealed that under the same condition of soil texture and terrain slope the advantage for sediment yield was descended by woodland, paddy field and farmland. The outputs of the paper could provide references for soil and water conservation and river health protection in the upper stream of Huaihe River.

scholarly journals Understanding Indigenous Farming Systems in Response to Climate Change: An Investigation into Soil Erosion in the Mountainous Regions of Central Vietnam

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (15) ◽  
pp. 5091
Author(s):  
Chuong Van Huynh ◽  
Tung Gia Pham ◽  
Tan Quang Nguyen ◽  
Linh Hoang Khanh Nguyen ◽  
Phuong Thi Tran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Erosion Rate ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Soil Erosion Rate ◽  
Central Vietnam ◽  
The Impact

Soil erosion is a considerable concern in the upland areas of Central Vietnam. This situation is most serious in regions, where the terrain is sloped and subjected to heavy rainfall. Our research was conducted in a mountainous area, belonging to Central Vietnam, the area of Song Kon commune in the Dong Giang district. The objective of this study is first to estimate the impact of soil erosion risk in these areas, and second to assess the capacity of farming systems which are based on indigenous knowledge (IK) to respond to soil erosion. Our data were collected by Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and processed using Geographical Information System (GIS) methods. We then interpreted this research using the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) in order to calculate the soil erosion rate. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) were also used as measurements to compare the difference of land surface covers between different farming systems. The results showed that the lowest soil erosion rate was found in the narrow valley regions, which are populated by both agricultural and residential areas. On the other hand, soil erosion was extremely high in the more northerly quadrant of our research area. Our findings also indicate that local farmers are highly aware of soil erosion, which has positively influenced the adoption of adaptation measures (AMs) in their agricultural activities. The most common AMs are as follows: changes in cropping patterns, the adjustments of their planting calendars, the use of native varieties, and intercropping methods. These AMs are mediated by the cultural observances of the local ethnic minority peoples in relation to their IK. We have concluded that when farmers apply IK in their farming systems, the soil erosion rate tends to decrease as compared with non-indigenous knowledge (NIK) practices. We hope to bring a better understanding of the processes that shape farmers’ AMs and thereby to develop well-targeted adaptation policies that can then be applied at the local level. Our findings may be instrumental in future adaptation planning and policies in regard to climate change, and that they will help to increase awareness not only in matters of the soil erosion but also in other interconnected aspects of climate change in these areas.

scholarly journals ESTIMATE THE ANNUAL SOIL LOSS IN KUMMATTIPATTI NADI WATERSHED USING RUSLE MODEL THROUGH GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGY

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-82
Author(s):  
Suraj Shaikh ◽  
Masilamani Palanisamy ◽  
Abdul Rahaman Sheik Mohideen
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Tamil Nadu ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Rainfall Erosivity ◽  
Agricultural Activity ◽  
Erosion Risk ◽  
Factor C ◽  
Conservation And Management

Soil erosion and soil loss is one of the common problems threatening the environment. This degrading phenomenon declines the soil fertility and significantly affects the agricultural activity. As a consequence, the productivity of soil is affected unquestionably. In this reason, there is a basic need to take up conservation and management measures which can be applied to check further soil erosion. Even though, soil erosion is a mass process spread cross the watershed, it is not economically viable to implement conservation techniques to the entire watershed. However, a method is a pre-requisite to identify the most vulnerable areas and quantify the soil erosion. In this study, Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) has been accepted to estimate soil erosion in the Kummattipatti Nadi watershed part of the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, India. This model has several parameters including runoff-rainfall erosivity factor (R), soil erodability Factor (K), topographic factor (LS), cropping management factor (C), and support practice factor (P). All these layers are prepared through geographical information system (GIS) by using various data sources and data preparation methods. The results of the study shows that the annual average soil loss within the watershed is about 6 t/ha/yr (metric ton per hectare per year). Higher soil erosion is observed in the land use classes of gullied wasteland, open scrub forest and degraded plantation. The soil erosion risk is extremely higher on the steep slopes and adjoining foothills. The proper conservation and management strategies has to be implement in this watershed for the development.

scholarly journals Evaluating the importance of surface soil contributions to reservoir sediment in alpine environments: a combined modelling and fingerprinting approach in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1155-1190 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Palazón ◽  
L. Gaspar ◽  
B. Latorre ◽  
W. Blake ◽  
A. Navas
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Swat Model ◽  
Practical Interest ◽  
Sediment Sources ◽  
Sediment Yields ◽  
Erosion Rates ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Rugged Topography ◽  
Alpine Environments

Abstract. Soil in alpine environments plays a key role in the development of ecosystem. Identify, maintain and preserve its resources, as well as recognize processes that would affect them are important and of practical interest. Environmental concerns about these fragile systems which are threatened by the human pressure and climatic change have stressed the need to gather information in soil erosion processes. As most mountain alpine environment the Benasque catchment is characterized by temperatures below freezing that can last from November to April, strong rainfall events and rugged topography. Indirect studies, such as combined model approaches, could be an alternative to evaluate soil erosion on these areas. In this study the complementary tools of Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and fingerprinting procedure were used to assess an initial approach on soil erosion processes which take place in the area of the Posets-Maladeta National Park (Central Spanish Pyrenees). Soil erosion rates and sediment contribution of potential sediment sources (Kastanozem/Phaeozem; Fluvisol; Cambisol and channel bed sediments) were assessed. SWAT model identified Cambisols as the main source of sediment of the Benasque catchment with the highest specific sediment yields and Phaeozems and Fluvisols were identified as the lowest sediment contributors. Spring and winter performed the highest and lowest specific sediment yield, respectively. Fingerprinting procedure identified channel bed sediment and Fluvisols as the main sediment sources indicating the main influence of connectivity. The combined approach enabled us to better understand soil erosion processes in the Benasque alpine catchment.

scholarly journals A Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) Modeling Approach to Prioritize Soil Conservation Management in River Basin Critical Areas Coupled With Future Climate Scenario Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 117862212110213
Author(s):  
Ashish Pandey ◽  
K. C. Bishal ◽  
Praveen Kalura ◽  
V. M. Chowdary ◽  
C. S. Jha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Swat Model ◽  
Climate Scenario ◽  
Baseline Period ◽  
Model Simulations ◽  
Critical Areas ◽  
Rcp 8.5 ◽  
Water Assessment ◽  
Soil And Water

About 44% of the Indian landmass experiences the adverse impact of land degradation. This loss of sediments caused by soil erosion reduces the water quality of local water bodies and decreases agricultural land productivity. Therefore, decision-makers must formulate policies and management practices for sustainable management of basins that are cost-effective and environment friendly. Application of the best management practices (BMPs) to properly manage river basins is difficult and time-consuming. Its implication under various climate change scenarios makes it more complicated but necessary to achieve sustainable development. In this study, the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model was employed to prioritize the Tons river basin’s critical areas in the central Indian states coupled with future climate scenario analysis (2030–2050) using Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios. The SWAT model was calibrated and validated for simulation of streamflow and sediment yield for daily and monthly scales using the sequential uncertainty fitting (SUFI-2) technique. The values of coefficient of determination ( R2), Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), percent bias (PBIAS), and root mean square error (RMSE)-observations standard deviation ratio (RSR) were .71, .70, −8.3, and .54, respectively during the calibration period, whereas for validation the values were .72, .71, −3.9, and .56, respectively. SWAT model underestimated the discharge during calibration and overestimated the discharge during validation. Model simulations for sediment load exhibited a similar trend as streamflow simulation, where higher values are reported during August and September. The average annual sediment yield of the basin for the baseline period was 6.85 Mg ha−1, which might increase to 8.66 Mg ha−1 and 8.79 Mg ha−1 in the future years 2031–2050 and 2081–2099, respectively. The BMPs such as recharge structure, contour farming, filter strip 3 and 6 m, porous gully plugs, zero tillage, and conservation tillage operations have been considered to evaluate the soil and water conservation measures. Recharge structure appeared to be the most effective measure with a maximum reduction of sediment by 38.98% during the baseline period, and a 37.15% reduction in the future scenario. Sub-watersheds, namely SW-8, SW-10, SW-12, SW-13, SW-14, SW-17, SW-19, SW-21, SW-22, and SW-23, fall under the high category and are thus considered a critical prone area for the implementation and evaluation of BMPs. Compared to the baseline period, the effectiveness of BMPs is slightly decreasing in the 2040s, increasing in the 2070s and decreasing in the 2090s. Recharge structure and filter strip 6 m have been found to nullify the high soil erosion class completely. Overall, SWAT model simulations under the RCP 8.5 scenarios were observed to be reliable and can be adopted to identify critical areas for river basins having similar climatic and geographical conditions.

scholarly journals Evaluating the importance of surface soil contributions to reservoir sediment in alpine environments: a combined modelling and fingerprinting approach in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park

Solid Earth ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 963-978 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Palazón ◽  
L. Gaspar ◽  
B. Latorre ◽  
W. H. Blake ◽  
A. Navas
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Sediment Yield ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Swat Model ◽  
Sediment Fingerprinting ◽  
Sediment Yields ◽  
Resource Information ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Natural Park ◽  
Alpine Environments

Abstract. Soil in alpine environments plays a key role in the development of ecosystem services and in order to maintain and preserve this important resource, information is required on processes that lead to soil erosion. Similar to other mountain alpine environments, the Benasque catchment is characterised by temperatures below freezing that can last from November to April, intense rainfall events, typically in spring and autumn, and rugged topography which makes assessment of erosion challenging. Indirect approaches to soil erosion assessment, such as combined model approaches, offer an opportunity to evaluate soil erosion in such areas. In this study (i) the SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) hydrological and erosion model and (ii) sediment fingerprinting procedures were used in parallel to assess the viability of a combined modelling and tracing approach to evaluate soil erosion processes in the area of the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park (central Spanish Pyrenees). Soil erosion rates and sediment contribution of potential sediment sources defined by soil type (Kastanozems/Phaeozems; Fluvisols and Cambisols) were assessed. The SWAT model suggested that, with the highest specific sediment yields, Cambisols are the main source of sediment in the Benasque catchment and Phaeozems and Fluvisols were identified as the lowest sediment contributors. Spring and winter model runs gave the highest and lowest specific sediment yield, respectively. In contrast, sediment fingerprinting analysis identified Fluvisols, which dominate the riparian zone, as the main sediment source at the time of sampling. This indicates the importance of connectivity as well as potential differences in the source dynamic of material in storage versus that transported efficiently from the system at times of high flow. The combined approach enabled us to better understand soil erosion processes in the Benasque alpine catchment, wherein SWAT identified areas of potential high sediment yield in large flood events but sediment fingerprinting identified areas that, due to high connectivity, contribute more to channel-stored sediment deposits.

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