ASSESSMENT AND MAPPING OF RAINFALL EROSIVITY INDEX (R) FOR MAJHA REGION, PUNJAB IS A STATE IN NORTHERN, INDIA

Abstract

Purpose: This study gives a critical assessment of the rainfall erosivity factor (R) for selected sites in the Majha region, representing different locations use of mean monthly rainfall data. 
 Methodology: By applying empirical methods, the rainfall intensity for all the locations were obtained and was further determined at three different intervals of 30-minutes, 45-minutes and 60-minutes, respectively. The rainfall erosivity factor (R) was calculated by the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE).
 Main Findings: Using RUSLE, the rainfall erosivity factor (R) for each of the locations was measured as follows; EI = 3878.49 (MJmmha-1hr-1), EI = 4013.71 (MJmmha-1hr-1), EI = 4302.24 (MJmmha-1hr-1) for Majha region of Amritsar, Tarntaran and Pathankot respectively. A close observation of the data obtained revealed that as rainfall intensity increased with the duration, the rainfall erosivity index reduced or decreased.
 Implications of study: Nevertheless, it is expected that if proper cover crop and management practices are applied despite the region, the study area falls within, rainfall erosivity can be cushioned, thus reducing further erosion tendencies and enhancing food production chances from productive lands within the area.
 The novelty of study: The rainfall erosivity factor (R) was calculated by the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE).