Soil Erosion and Sediment Load Management Strategies for Sustainable Irrigation in Arid Regions

Soil erosion is a serious environmental issue in the Gomal River catchment shared by Pakistan and Afghanistan. The river segment between Zam dam diversion barrage (~40 km) brings huge load of sediments that negatively affects downstream irrigation system, but sediment sources have not been explored detail this sub-catchment. analysis flow data shows significant yield still contributing to despite construction. However, share at from sub-catchment much larger than its relative size. A spatial assessment rates with revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) most falls into very severe catastrophic rate categories (>100 t h?1y?1). entry system can be managed both limiting trapping hydraulic structure. authors tested scenario improving crop management factor RUSLE as option. results show makes little difference reducing sub-catchment, suggesting other factors, perhaps slope more obvious reason for high rates. This research also explores efficiency proposed settling reservoir option flows diverted barrage. simulated using computer-based transport model. modeling suggest reduce network 95% 25% sand silt particles, respectively. findings study managing characterizing an arid region having steep slopes barren mountains less compelling compared Managing entire (including upstream dam) potential solution, it would require cooperative planning due transboundary nature catchment. output aid policy decision-makers sustainably manage sedimentation issues network.