Application of the WEPP model to determine sources of run-off and sediment in a forested watershed

Abstract

This study investigates critical run-off and sediment production sources in a forested Kasilian watershed located in northern Iran. The Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) watershed model was set up to simulate the run-off and sediment yields. WEPP was calibrated and validated against measured rainfall–run-off–sediment data. Results showed that simulated run-off and sediment yields of the watershed were in agreement with the measured data for the calibration and validation periods. While low and medium values of run-off and sediment yields were adequately simulated by the WEPP model, high run-off and sediment yield values were underestimated. Performance of the model was evaluated as very good and satisfactory during the calibration and validation stages, respectively. Total soil erosion and sediment load of the study watershed during the study period were determined to be 10 108 t yr−1 and 8735 t yr−1, respectively. The northern areas of the watershed with dry farming were identified as the critical erosion prone zones. To prioritize the subwatersheds based on their contribution to the run-off and sediment production at the watershed's main outlet, unit response approach (URA) was applied. In this regard, subwatersheds close to the main outlet were found to have the highest contribution to sediment yield of the whole watershed. Results indicated that depending on the objective of land and water conservation practices, particularly, for controlling sediment yield at the main outlet, critical areas for implementing the best management practices may be identified through conjunctive application of WEPP and URA. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.