Mitigating flood risks through regenerative farming: Addressing soil degradation and enhancing resilience in flood-prone regions of Karnataka

India faces a significant challenge with 30% of its land affected by soil degradation, which has reduced water retention capacity by 60%, increasing flood risks. India is the second most flood-affected country, trailing behind Bangladesh. Over the past two decades, Karnataka has been subjected to severe flooding. Keeping the above in view, the districts of Bagalkot, Uttara Kannada, Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, and Belagavi, in Karnataka were chosen for this study due to their frequent flooding and varied landscapes, from coastal plains to hilly regions, making them vulnerable to both soil degradation and floods. Kodagu, for instance experienced eight major flood events between 2015 and 2023 (KSNDMC, 2023). This study investigates the relationship between soil health (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, pH, and texture) and flood severity, along with NDVI and proximity to rivers. Statistical analysis, including correlation analysis and multiple linear regression, reveals that proximity to rivers and NDVI are significant predictors of flood frequency. The findings underscore the potential of regenerative farming to improve soil health and reduce flood risks enhancing water retention by up to 40%. These insights provide a framework for sustainable land management in Karnataka’s flood-prone regions.