GIS-based assessment of soil erosion and sediment yield using the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) model in the Murredu Watershed, Telangana, India

Abstract

The current investigation was conducted in the Murredu watershed, situated in India. The essential datasets, such as the digital elevation model (DEM), soil, land use land cover (LULC), and rainfall parameters, were processed and analysed using a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. The current research utilised the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) model to assess the mean soil loss in the Murredu watershed. The mean annual soil loss was calculated to be 14.06 t/ha/year, indicating a high soil erosion risk. The RUSLE model results indicated a good outcome with an accuracy of 72.8%. Furthermore, the research area revealed that sub-watersheds (SW) 2 and SW 14 had the maximum and minimum mean annual soil loss, respectively. The sediment delivery ratio (SDR) for the Murredu watershed was determined to be 0.227. The Murredu watershed outlet received a mean annual sediment yield of 3.19 t/ha/year. Through investigation, it was determined that SW 2 had the maximum mean annual sediment yield, while SW 11 had the minimum. This current investigation provides valuable insights for stakeholders, decision-makers, and policymakers regarding sustainable ways of managing watersheds.