Assessment of the spatial distribution of soil erosion using the RUSLE model and field survey study - A case study of Beas Valley, Kullu, India, Western Himalaya

Soil erosion, a global challenge with profound consequences, impacts soil nutrient depletion, land degradation, agricultural productivity, runoff, and geological hazards. Our study assesses soil erosion and land use changes in the Beas Valley, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, situated in the Western Himalayas. Employing diverse datasets and a comprehensive methodology, we scrutinize the intricate interactions of climate, soil, topography, and land use to comprehend and mitigate soil erosion risks. Data sources include rainfall data from the Climate Research Unit at the University of East Anglia, soil data from the Food and Agriculture Organization, Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, and Landsat satellite imagery. We utilize the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) for soil erosion assessment, which includes factors like erosivity (R-factor), erodibility (K-factor), slope and flow accumulation (LS-factor), vegetation cover (C-factor), and conservation practices (P-factor).To bolster the credibility of our findings, we complement our methodology with field observations and interviews. These on-ground assessments and stakeholder insights provide practical context and verification for our research. This interdisciplinary approach yields crucial insights into soil erosion and land use changes in the Beas Valley, enriching our understanding of soil erosion in this fragile Himalayan ecosystem. Our findings offer vital support for informed land management decisions and conservation efforts.

 

Keywords: Soil erosion assessment, Himalayan, RUSLE, GIS and Remote Sensing