Watershed Prioritization Based on Morphometric Analysis and Soil Loss Modeling in Wadi Kerak (Southern Jordan) Using GIS Techniques
Journal Title: International Journal of Plant & Soil Science - Year 2016, Vol 10, Issue 6
Abstract
Wadi Kerak catchment, located in southern Jordan, covers an area of 191 km². It is characterized by high soil erosion rates due to recurrent intense rainfall events and possibly climatic change, land use/land cover changes since the 1950s, and the dependence of people across the watershed upon rainfed and irrigated farming. The aim of this research is to determine soil conservation prioritization for thirty one third-order mini-watersheds (MW1-MW31) based on morphometric analysis and soil loss modeling methods. Linear and shape morphometric parameters have been computed for each mini-watershed on the basis of their value/relationship with erodibility, and rank is assigned in order to obtain compound values for final ranking of the mini-watersheds . Soil loss rates also have been estimated using the RULSE model. RULSE factors (R, K, L, S, C, and P) were calculated in a GIS environment, then multiplied together so as to compile soil loss maps/tables, and to estimate soil loss(ton ha-1 year-1)for the thirty one mini-watersheds. Based on morphometic parameters and soil loss values, and their rankings, the mini-watersheds have been grouped into five classes: extremely high, very high, high, moderate, and low with reference to their priority for conservation practices and watershed management. Two maps were generated separately and illustrate the prioritization of the mini-watersheds based on morphometric analysis and soil loss modeling. Then an integration of the two maps was conducted to recognize the common mini-watersheds falling under each category of priority. It can be demonstrated that 50% of the mini-watersheds can be grouped under moderate, high, very high and extremely high priority based on both soil loss modeling method and morphometric analysis. Consequently, a considerable number of the mini-watersheds should be prioritized for implementing soil and water conservation measures to ensure future sustainable agriculture.
Authors and Affiliations
Yahaya Farhan, Omar Anaba
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP351506
- DOI 10.9734/IJPSS/2016/25321
- Views 104
- Downloads 0
Comparative Study of Mango Based Agroforestry and Mono-Cropping System under Rainfed Condition of West Bengal
In India, the uncertainty of rainfed agriculture is high due to low and erratic rainfall, steep land slope and short cropping period. Objective of the study was to assess the effect of mango based agroforestry on product...
Dry Matter Partitioning and Yield of Different Varieties of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) under Aberrant Climatic Conditions in Central India
Aim: To study the effect of sowing dates on dry matter partitioning and yields of soybean cultivars field experiment was carried out at Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal. Materials and Methods: Ten varieties of so...
Lessons from Long-term Nutrient Management Adoptions in Semi-arid Tropical Alfisol
Understanding the consequences of adoption of long-term nutrient managements on the fluctuation of soil biological variables is of greater importance in relation to nutrient supplying capacity of the ecosystem and crop r...
Potassium Critical Limit and Response to Soybean in Swell-Shrink Soil, Akola, Maharashtra
The emerging role of K in a number of biotic and abiotic stress situations is discussed including those of diseases and pests, frost, heat/drought, and salinity. A net house investigation was undertaken with 15 soils bel...
Salinity Change in Different Soil Layers of Tomato Irrigated with Salty Water
Salt stress is one of the major abiotic stress factors that limit crop productivity, especially affecting the growth of plants in arid and semi-arid regions. These adverse effects of salt stress, which affects growth and...