Estimation of soil erosion and crop suitability for a watershed through remote sensing and GIS approach

Present study is in Patani micro-watershed situated in Satna District of Madhya Pradesh where soil erosion and crop suitability were estimated with Remote Sensing and GIS. The annual soil erosion potential was estimated using Universal Soil Loss Equation and suitable crops for particular watershed was suggested. The average rainfall erosivity factor (R), erodibility factor (K), highest and lowest value of slope length factor (LS), highest and lowest values of crop management factor (C), highest and lowest values of conservation factor (P) have been calculated. Average soil erosion rate of the watershed was estimated to be 8 tonnes/ha/yr. About 13.95% of the watershed area was found to be under slight erosion, 82.21% under the moderate erosion, high and severe erosion found in only 0.01% and remaining area was under very high erosion. Analysis shows that Patani micro-watershed is suitable for crops like maize, mustard, and greengram with minor limitations of soil and land characteristics.