Effect of Soil and Water Conservation Measures on Ground Water Fluctuations and Recharge on Mutukula Watershed, Prakasam District

Abstract

A watershed is commonly defined as an area, in which all water drains to a common point. From a hydrological perspective, a watershed is a useful unit of operation and analysis because; it facilitates a systems approach to land and water use, in interconnected upstream and downstream areas. Watershed projects aim to maximize the quantity of water available for crops, livestock and human consumption, through on-site soil and moisture conservation, infiltration into aquifers, and safe runoff into surface ponds. Hence, the present study conducted on experimental investigations on ground water fluctuations and recharge carried out using the water level indicator, empirical equations like proposed empirical relationship, Chaturvedi formula and Chaturvedi formula. The rainfall recharge was found to be less than 5 inches. On the other hand, average rainfall recharge computed from all three equations like proposed empirical relationship (1.43), Chaturvedi formula (0.92) and Modified Chaturvedi formula (1.94) inches. Where, it was found, in Modified Chaturvedi formula and empirical relationship being quite high. Therefore, Chaturvedi formula equation can conveniently be used for better and quick assessment of natural ground water recharge, in Mutukula watershed area.