Soil erosion susceptibility assessment through geo-statistical multivariate approach in Panchkula district of Haryana, India

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to map and evaluate the soil erosion susceptibility in Panchkula district of Haryana. Based on field survey and information analysis, 12 factors such as rainfall, vegetation cover, soil type, geomorphology, slope angle, stream power, slope length, topographical curvature, drainage density, topographical wetness, land use/land cover, and slope aspect have been identified as soil erosion stimulating factors. Different thematic layers of these parameters using remote sensing data and geographical information system (GIS) have been generated and subsequently integrated with the weighted index overlay (WIO) method for the identification and delineation of soil erosion prone areas. The weight of each thematic layer corresponding to the susceptibility level has been determined through the rank sum method technique. The obtained results reveal that about 32% area of the district is prone to high and very high erosion which spreads in north-western parts. In order to test the reliability of the adopted model for soil erosion susceptibility, validation procedures have been executed. Soil erosion susceptibility assessment commenced by means of geo-statistical multivariate approach may be very useful for planning erosion control measures, which is a prerequisite for integrated soil and water resources management in the district.