Estimation of soil loss using remote sensing and geographic information system techniques (Case study of Kaliaghai River basin, Purba &amp; Paschim Medinipur District, West Bengal, India)

Babita Pal

doi:10.17485/ijst/2011/v4i10.4

Abstract

Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are useful tools in hydrological analysis and natural resource management. The application of RS and GIS techniques lends to estimate soil loss based on different parameters. RUSLE (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation) model is used for soil loss estimation. Different parameters, namely the rainfall and runoff factor (R), soil erodibility factor (K), slope length and steepness factor (LS), crop management factor (C) and conservation practice factor (P), that are the mandatory inputs to RUSLE, have been either derived from remote sensing data or through conventional data collection systems. These parameters are obtained from monthly and annual rainfall data, soil map of the region, Digital Elevation Model (DEM), RS techniques (with use of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) and land use/land cover map, respectively. This experiential study is carried out on the Kaliaghai river basin under Purbo and Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal. Soil loss is very high in the river basin area, calculated as 1927779 tons/year using RUSLE model. Thus, the RUSLE model integrated with RS and GIS technologies has great potential for producing accurate and inexpensive erosion and sediment yield assessment map in the Kaliaghai river basin.

Highlights

IntroductionSoil erosion is a major problem throughout the world. Chart 1
Soil erosion is a major problem throughout the world.Soil erosion is a complex dynamic process by whichChart 1
In the case of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data, these patches of no data are filled, preferably with auxiliary sources of Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data, like-topographical maps. Both SRTM data sets and topographical map are used for this study; (ii) West Bengal soils sheet of National Bureau of Soil Survey (NBSS) and soil region map of National Atlas & Thematic Mapping Organization (NATMO) with different group of soil were used to generate soil texture map; (iii) Optical bands with Standard False Color Combination (SFCC) of LANDSAT 7 ETM+ satellite images were used to find out the land use/land cover classes in the study area

Summary

Introduction

Soil erosion is a major problem throughout the world. Chart 1. In the case of the SRTM data, these patches of no data are filled, preferably with auxiliary sources of DEM data, like-topographical maps Both SRTM data sets and topographical map are used for this study; (ii) West Bengal soils sheet of National Bureau of Soil Survey (NBSS) and soil region map of National Atlas & Thematic Mapping Organization (NATMO) with different group of soil were used to generate soil texture map; (iii) Optical bands with Standard False Color Combination (SFCC) of LANDSAT 7 ETM+ satellite images were used to find out the land use/land cover classes in the study area. Shuttle Radar Topography Mission data 3-arc seconds 2003 ftp://e0srp01u.ecs.nasa.gv

Existing agriculture

Methodology

Results

Conclusion