Land Degradation, Overland Flow, Soil Erosion, and Nutrient Loss in the Eastern Himalayas, India

Studies on the assessment of land degradation, overland flow, soil loss, and nutrient loss have emerged as paramount importance for food security rural livelihood in mountains. The present study dealt with similar issues Eastern Himalayas, which primary data were collected from field during 2017–18. Quantitative qualitative methods used to collect erosion information was assessed through experiments watershed Sikkim, Himalayas. first section methodology deals experimental analysis different use categories quantify loss. In second section, detailed analyses farmers’ perceptions indicators recorded surveys, i.e., key informant interviews (KEIs) focus group discussions (FDGs). results showed that highest flow barren (8.63%) followed by large cardamom-based agroforestry system (7.02%), mixed cropping (4.84%), lowest terrace cultivation (4.69%). Soil estimated be (7.73 Mg/ha/year (megagram/hectare/year)) (4.32 Mg/ha/year), (3.75 least (3.23 Mg/ha/year). Loss nitrogen (N) (4.49 kg/ha/year) phosphorous (P) (2.43 land, while potassium (K) (4.30 farming. N rate (3.34 cultivation, P (8.19 farming, (3.28 agroforestry. Approximately 33% farmers acknowledged light or no losses, 17% accepted moderate erosion. survey indicated only 15–19% reported high extreme fields. Farmers are practicing multiple measures control degradation; however, marginal still vulnerable need strong support government safeguard their land.