Application of Geo-informatics for Soil Erosion Mapping

Soil erosion is a most severe environmental problem in hilly area. The study carried out on Upper Bagmati River basin, North of Kathmandu valley having an area 61 Sq.km. (approx). Universal Loss Equation (USLE) model, with Geographic Information System (GIS) has been used to quantify the soil loss. Erosion modelling requires huge amount information and data, usually coming from different sources available formats scales for management these GIS was used, which helped considerably organizing spatial data representing effects each factor affecting erosion. Five essential parameters USLE Rainfall erosivity (R), erodibility Factor (K), Slope length steepness (LS) factor, Cropping (C) Support practice (P) have estimate loss All layers prepared Arc using various preparation methods. DEM contour interval 20m generate LS factor. monthly rainfall (2010) 17 rain gauge stations within catchment predict R K, C P factors basin are adopted literature. distribution map generated classified into six categories depending calculated amount. annual predicted ranges between 0 292.878 t/ha/y. Low (mean 9.7 t/ha/y) recorded under forested areas. high rate 40.4 found cultivation