Prioritization of Sub-Watershed Based on Soil Loss Estimation Using RUSLE Model: A Case Study of Digaru Watershed, Assam, India

Soil erosion is one of the most crucial land degradation problems and is considered the most critical environmental hazard worldwide. The present study uses remote sensing data integrated with the geographical information system (GIS) technique and the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) model for assessing the annual average soil loss of the Digaru watershed of India for 1999 and 2020. The estimated mean gross yearly soil loss from the entire watershed was 102716 t yr-1 in 1999 and 178931.6 t yr-1 in 2020. The overall average soil loss rate increased significantly between 1999 and 2020, rising from 4.73 t-ha-1yr-1 to 8.43 t-ha-1yr-1. The sub-watersheds are prioritized as high (>= 40 t ha-1yr-1), moderate (20-40 t ha-1yr-1), and low (<20 t ha-1yr-1) based on the spatial distribution of soil erosion. Seven sub-watersheds have been grouped under low priority, followed by seven under moderate priority and one under high priority. This study demands instant attention for soil and water conservation efforts in highly eroded watershed areas.