Spatial Estimation of Soil Loss and Planning of Suitable Soil and Water Conservation Interventions for Environmental Sustainability in Northern Karnataka in India Using Geospatial Techniques

The selected study area lies in Karnataka State of Southern India and is frequently subjected to prolonged dry spells, high soil erosion, declining groundwater levels, reductions crop yield. In order make this region sustainable, estimation loss, selection prioritization suitable interventions, its adoption are very important. study, spatial loss models were developed sub-district-wise using the Revised universal equation (RUSLE) GIS for a period 70 years (1951 2020). observed data 2011 2015 used validation model (R2 = 0.89) found satisfactory. average annual rainfall ranged spatially from 420 3700 mm, erosivity (R) 2606 >15,000 MJ mm ha−1 h−1 year−1, varied <2.0 >15.0 t y−1 northern zone Karnataka. Most had an 550 800 was <10.0 y−1. A higher occurred western part where predominant. considerable variability rainfall, erosivity, high, medium, low-rainfall regions 1951 2020. estimated catchment-wise prioritized determine vulnerable areas. It that 7.69% with ≥ 15.0 needs top priority planning interventions (Priority 1) followed by 10.49% ranging 10.0 2) 42.7% under 5.0 3), remaining has lower priority. Northern more site-specific moisture conservation practices water-harvesting/groundwater recharge structures planned geospatial techniques. Among furrow contour cultivation all nine districts compartmental bunding semi-circular bunds. Out total area, 45.3% 24.3% bunds 16.8 16.9% areas, respectively. indicated amount topsoil lost as erosion and, hence, situ water need hour sustainable management region. identified locations validated visual interpretations, ground truth, recorded data.