Evaluating the Effectiveness of Best Management Practices On Soil Erosion Reduction Using the SWAT Model: for the Case of Gumara Watershed, Abbay (Upper Blue Nile) Basin

This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of best management practices (BMPs) reduce soil erosion in Gumara watershed Abbay (Upper Blue Nile) Basin using Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model. The model calibrated (1995–2002) validated (2003–2007) SWAT-CUP based on observed streamflow sediment yield data at outlet. evaluated four individual BMP Scenarios; namely, filter strips (FS), stone/soil bunds (SSB), grassed waterways (GW) reforestation croplands (RC), three blended Scenarios, which combines BMPS FS RC (FS & RC), GW (GW SSB (SSB GW). Mean annual baseline conditions estimated 19.7 t ha?1yr?1, reduced by 13.7, 30.5, 16.2 25.9% FS, SSB, GW, respectively scale. highest reduction efficiency 34% achieved through implementations Scenario. RC, Scenarios 32% 29.9%, respectively. therefore concluded that combined mainly can be applied high Gumera watershed, similar agro-ecological watersheds Ethiopia. In cases where applying scenarios is not possible, Scenario significant reduction.