Application of RMMF-Based GIS Model for Soil Erosion Assessment in Andaman Ecosystem

Water erosion is one of the major land degradation problems all over globe, and its accurate quantification in different use contexts required order to propose suitable conservation measures curtail related hazards. In Andaman Nicobar (A&N) Islands, changes due faster urbanization deforestation practices have led accelerated at many points around inhabited Islands. Moreover, agricultural uses A&N Islands are vulnerable severe soil erosion, mainly cultivation along steep slopes mono-cropping culture. A study was conducted by establishing runoff plots areas with measure nutrient losses estimate using a semi-process-based model, i.e., Revised Morgan Finney (RMMF). The RMMF model calibrated primary data from for years 2019–21, validated year 2022, applied Geographical Information System (GIS) spatially ecosystem. simulated during validation coefficient determination (R2) greater than 0.87 as compared measured plots. revealed that annual N, P, K 41–81%, 42–95%, 7–23%, respectively, various uses. classification analysis about 88% total geographical area under forest mangrove uses, which exhibited very slight <5 t/ha. This requires such afforestation rehabilitation/restoration mangroves. 6% cultivated need terracing, bunding, intercropping, etc., highest priority conserve sustainable On average, loss 3.13 About exceeds tolerance limit 2.5–12.5 t/ha/year, needs water lowest economic implications.