Estimation of sediment yield from a small watershed using MUSLE and GIS

In this study digital elevation model (DEM) of Nagwan watershed, Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), Hazaribagh, Bihar was prepared from the contour map (1:50 000) with the use of EASI-PA CE image processing and GIS software. Watershed parameters for modified universal soil loss equation (MUSLE) were extracted from DEM, soil map and satellite imagery of IRS-1B (LISS II) for estimation of sediment yield. Extracted inputs had pronounced effect on estimating sediment yield from a small agricultural watershed. The estimated values were very close to the observed values of the sediment yield. From this study it is found that the image processing and GIS technique have potential application and can be used for estimation of soil loss from a small agricultural watershed using MUSLE.