Geospatial Modeling of Soil Erosion and Conservation Priorities: A Case Study from the Panam Reservoir, India

Soil erosion presents a significant threat to the sustainability of land and water resources in the Panam Reservoir region of Gujarat, India. This study utilizes theRevised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), integrated with advanced geospatial techniques, to quantify soil loss and identify erosion-prone areas. Spatial datasets on rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, topography, land use, and conservation practices were analyzed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing tools. The results indicate that annual soil loss ranges from zero to28.226 t ha-1 yr-1, with most of the catchment experiencing low erosion risk. However, a smaller portion of the area is subjected to moderate to severe erosion, highlighting the need for targeted conservation interventions. Vulnerable zonesare characterized by steep slopes, high rainfall erosivity, and sparse vegetation cover. This research provides spatially explicit insights crucial for informed soil conservation planning and watershed management in similar agro-ecological contexts. The integration of RUSLE with remote sensing and GIS enhances the precision of erosion assessment, thereby supporting sustainable land use decision-making.