Sediment and Nutrient Transfer from an Inter-montane Agricultural Catchment in Himachal Himalayas of Northwestern India

Abstract

Abstract The present study aims to quantify the transfer of sediments and nutrients from an inter-montane agricultural catchment located in lower Himachal Himalayas of north western India. The study is based on long-term water quality data for July to September months for the period 2004 to 2010. The data for this study has been procured from Bhakra Beas Management Board, Sundernagar. The study has revealed a high degree of transfer and variability in sediment and nutrient concentrations, loads and yields, causing pollution downstream. The sediment concentrations have varied from 10 to 8117 mg/l with a variability of 54%. The micro nutrients concentrations have varied from 0.03 to 0.41 mg/l for zinc, 0.13 to 6.64 mg/l for iron and 0.02 to 1.30 mg/l for copper. Among the macro nutrients, highest concentrations have been observed for sulphate (11.81 mg/l) followed by phosphate (0.97 mg/l) and nitrate (0.40 mg/l). The correlation analysis has revealed that sediment and nutrient flux from the catchment are dependent on amount of stream flow. However, the extent of correlations has been, in general, low or non-significant. The findings of this study will have key implications for future sediment and nutrient transfer from agricultural catchments of north western Himalayan region.