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 analysis to assess the mean soil loss in the Murredu watershed. The mean annual soil loss was calculated to be 14.06 t/ha/year, which is a high soil erosion risk. The RUSLE model results indicate 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 SDR for the watershed, known as Murredu, was 0.227. The Murredu watershed outlet received an annual sediment transfer rate of 3.19 t/ha/year. Through investigation, it was determined that SW 2 had the maximum average 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.