Vol. 12, Issue 10 (2023)

Author(s):
Prasad M, Raghu SN, Raghunandan Reddy, Mallikarjuna Muddappa, B Maheshwara Babu, U Satish Kumar and Rajesh NL

Abstract:
This research centres around assessing soil erosion within the Fatepur sub-watershed, an agricultural region situated in Raichur taluk, Raichur district, Karnataka, India. The detrimental effects of soil erosion on agriculture, water quality, and the overall health of the ecosystem are of focus. The main goal of this study is to gauge the extent of soil loss within the sub-watershed using the Revised Annual Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and to evaluate its applicability in this specific area. The RUSLE model invloves various factors such as rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, slope length and gradient, crop management practices, and techniques for erosion control. This investigation amalgamates data from various sources like field surveys, laboratory analyses, and remote sensing to estimate these influencing factors. The outcomes divulge that the average annual soil loss stands at 24.87 tons per hectare per year, signifying a state of moderate erosion. Regions featuring steep terrain, sparse crop canopies, and poor residue management are particularly prone to erosion. Among the examined factors, rainfall erosivity and slope characteristics emerge as the most pivotal contributors to soil loss. On the other hand, the influence of crop management practices and erosion control methods is relatively marginal. In conclusion, the study underscores the necessity of implementing erosion control measures to uphold soil productivity within the sub-watershed. This imperative arises due to the fact that the observed soil loss surpasses the recommended tolerance threshold. The findings derived from this research provide valuable direction for local authorities and farmers in developing effective strategies for soil conservation and promoting sustainable land use practices in the area.