Empirical Modeling of Soil Loss and Yield Utilizing RUSLE and SYI: A Geospatial Study in South Sikkim, Teesta Basin

Md Nawazuzzoha, Md. Mamoon Rashid, Prabuddh Kumar Mishra (), Kamal Abdelrahman, Mohammed S. Fnais and Hasan Raja Naqvi ()
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Md Nawazuzzoha: Department of Geography, Faculty of Science, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
Md. Mamoon Rashid: Department of Geography, Faculty of Science, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
Prabuddh Kumar Mishra: Department of Geography, Shivaji College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110027, India
Kamal Abdelrahman: Department of Geology and Geophysics, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
Mohammed S. Fnais: Department of Geology and Geophysics, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
Hasan Raja Naqvi: Department of Geography, Faculty of Science, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India

Land, 2024, vol. 13, issue 10, 1-17

Abstract: Soil erosion and subsequent sedimentation pose significant challenges in the Sikkim Himalayas. In this study, we conducted an assessment of the impact of rainfall-induced soil erosion and sediment loss in South Sikkim, which falls within the Teesta Basin, employing Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and Sediment Yield Index (SYI) models. Leveraging mean annual precipitation data, a detailed soil map, geomorphological landforms, Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), and LANDSAT 8 OLI data were used to prepare the factorial maps of South Sikkim. The results of the RUSLE and SYI models revealed annual soil loss >200 t ha −1 yr −1 , whereas mean values were estimated to be 93.42 t ha −1 yr −1 and 70.3 t ha −1 yr −1 , respectively. Interestingly, both models displayed similar degrees of soil loss in corresponding regions under the various severity classes. Notably, low-severity erosion <50 t ha −1 yr −1 was predominantly observed in the valley sides in low-elevation zones, while areas with severe erosion rates >200 t ha −1 yr −1 were concentrated in the upper reaches, characterized by steep slopes. These findings underscore the strong correlation between erosion rates and topography, which makes the region highly vulnerable to erosion. The prioritization of such regions and potential conservation methods need to be adopted to protect such precious natural resources in mountainous regions.

Keywords: soil erosion; sediment; RUSLE; Himalaya; conservation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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