Dynamic Assessment of Soil Erosion Risk Using Hydrological Model and Geospatial Approach

Soil erosion is a significant environmental challenge that depletes topsoil, reducing agricultural land productivity. Assessing land degradation is vital for agriculturally dependent countries like India to develop effective mitigation strategies. This study evaluates soil erosion patterns in the Chamoli District using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model. The findings categorize erosion into six classes, with ‘Severe’ erosion (>80 megagram per hectare per year (Mg ha –1 yr –1 ) covering 16.49% of the district, and ‘Very High’ erosion (40–80 Mg ha –1 yr –1 ) affecting 19.16%. Areas with ‘High’ erosion (20–40 Mg ha –1 yr –1 ) account for 18.8%, while ‘Moderate’ erosion (10–20 Mg ha –1 yr –1 ) covers 16.64%. The largest area, 21.48%, experiences ‘Low’ erosion (0–5 Mg ha –1 yr –1 ). Erosion intensity correlates with surface gradient, barren land, and topographic breaks, particularly in tectonically active Himalayan zones. These areas are further impacted by earthquakes, landslides, and human activities. This analysis underscores the district’s vulnerability and provides critical insights for sustainable land use planning and environmental management. The study emphasizes the need for targeted strategies to mitigate erosion, ensuring long-term agricultural productivity and ecological stability.