Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Water Resources Management 3/2012

01-02-2012

Runoff and Sediment Yield Modelling for a Treated Hilly Watershed in Eastern Himalaya Using the Water Erosion Prediction Project Model

Authors: R. K. Singh, R. K. Panda, K. K. Satapathy, S. V. Ngachan

Published in: Water Resources Management | Issue 3/2012

Log in

Activate our intelligent search to find suitable subject content or patents.

search-config
loading …

Abstract

The Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) watershed model was calibrated and validated for a hilly watershed treated with graded bunding and water-harvesting tank in high rainfall condition of eastern Himalayan range in India. The performance of the model for the treated watershed was unacceptable with percent deviation of −45.81 and −38.35 respectively for runoff and sediment yield simulations when calibrated parameter values for the nearby untreated watershed were used. This was possibly due to differences in soil properties and average land slope. When soil parameters were calibrated for the treated watershed, the model performance improved remarkably. During calibration, the model simulated surface runoff and sediment yield with percent deviations equal to +6.24 and +9.02, and Nash–Sutcliffe simulation coefficients equal to 0.85 and 0.81, respectively. During validation period, the model simulated runoff and sediment yield with percent deviations equal to +8.56 and +9.36, and Nash–Sutcliffe simulation coefficients equal to 0.81 and 0.80, respectively. The model tended to slightly under-predict runoff and sediment yield of higher magnitudes. The model performance was quite sensitive to soil parameters namely, rill erodibility, interrill erodibility, hydraulic conductivity, critical shear stress and Manning’s roughness coefficient with varying levels. The WEPP model picked up the hydrology associated with bund and water-harvesting tank, and simulated runoff and sediment yield well with overall deviations within ±10% and Nash–Sutcliffe simulation coefficients >0.80. Simulation results indicate that in high slope and high rainfall conditions of eastern Himalayan region of India where vegetative measures are not adequate to restrict soil loss within the permissible limit, the WEPP model can be applied to formulate structure-based management strategies to control soil loss and to develop water resources.

Dont have a licence yet? Then find out more about our products and how to get one now:

Springer Professional "Technik"

Online-Abonnement

Mit Springer Professional "Technik" erhalten Sie Zugriff auf:

  • über 67.000 Bücher
  • über 390 Zeitschriften

aus folgenden Fachgebieten:

  • Automobil + Motoren
  • Bauwesen + Immobilien
  • Business IT + Informatik
  • Elektrotechnik + Elektronik
  • Energie + Nachhaltigkeit
  • Maschinenbau + Werkstoffe




 

Jetzt Wissensvorsprung sichern!

Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik"

Online-Abonnement

Mit Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" erhalten Sie Zugriff auf:

  • über 102.000 Bücher
  • über 537 Zeitschriften

aus folgenden Fachgebieten:

  • Automobil + Motoren
  • Bauwesen + Immobilien
  • Business IT + Informatik
  • Elektrotechnik + Elektronik
  • Energie + Nachhaltigkeit
  • Finance + Banking
  • Management + Führung
  • Marketing + Vertrieb
  • Maschinenbau + Werkstoffe
  • Versicherung + Risiko

Jetzt Wissensvorsprung sichern!

Literature
go back to reference Amore E, Modic C, Nearing MA, Santoro VC (2004) Scale effect in USLE and WEPP application for soil erosion computation from three Sicilian basins. J Hydrol 293:100–114CrossRef Amore E, Modic C, Nearing MA, Santoro VC (2004) Scale effect in USLE and WEPP application for soil erosion computation from three Sicilian basins. J Hydrol 293:100–114CrossRef
go back to reference Arnold JG, Srinivasan R, Muttiah RS, Williams JR (1998) Large area hydrologic modeling and assessment, part I: model development. J Am Water Resour Assoc 34:73–89CrossRef Arnold JG, Srinivasan R, Muttiah RS, Williams JR (1998) Large area hydrologic modeling and assessment, part I: model development. J Am Water Resour Assoc 34:73–89CrossRef
go back to reference ASCE Task Committee (1993) Criteria for evaluation of watershed models. J Irrig Drain Eng 119:429–442CrossRef ASCE Task Committee (1993) Criteria for evaluation of watershed models. J Irrig Drain Eng 119:429–442CrossRef
go back to reference Ascough JC II, Baffut C, Nearing MA, Liu BY (1997) The WEPP watershed model: I. Hydrology and erosion. Trans ASAE 40(4):921–933 Ascough JC II, Baffut C, Nearing MA, Liu BY (1997) The WEPP watershed model: I. Hydrology and erosion. Trans ASAE 40(4):921–933
go back to reference Ascough JC II, Deer-Ascough LA, Weesies GA (1998) CPIDS: a plant parameter selection programme for erosion prediction modeling. Comput Electron Agric 20:263–276CrossRef Ascough JC II, Deer-Ascough LA, Weesies GA (1998) CPIDS: a plant parameter selection programme for erosion prediction modeling. Comput Electron Agric 20:263–276CrossRef
go back to reference Baffaut C, Nearing MA, Ascough JC II, Liu BY (1997) The WEPP watershed model: II. Sensitivity analysis and discretization on small watersheds. Trans ASAE 40:935–943 Baffaut C, Nearing MA, Ascough JC II, Liu BY (1997) The WEPP watershed model: II. Sensitivity analysis and discretization on small watersheds. Trans ASAE 40:935–943
go back to reference Balacco G, Fratino U, Piccinni AF (2003) Evaluation of potential water erosion to different application scales. Geophys Res Abstr 5:5591 Balacco G, Fratino U, Piccinni AF (2003) Evaluation of potential water erosion to different application scales. Geophys Res Abstr 5:5591
go back to reference Beasley DB, Huggins LF, Monke EJ (1982) Modeling sediment yield from agricultural watersheds. J Soil Water Conserv 37:113–117 Beasley DB, Huggins LF, Monke EJ (1982) Modeling sediment yield from agricultural watersheds. J Soil Water Conserv 37:113–117
go back to reference Bedient PB, Huber WC (1992) Hydrology and floodplain analysis, 2nd edn. Addison-Wesley, New York Bedient PB, Huber WC (1992) Hydrology and floodplain analysis, 2nd edn. Addison-Wesley, New York
go back to reference Bhuyan SJ, Kalita PK, Janssenc KA, Barnesa PL (2002) Soil loss predictions with three erosion simulation models. Environ Model Softw 17:135–144CrossRef Bhuyan SJ, Kalita PK, Janssenc KA, Barnesa PL (2002) Soil loss predictions with three erosion simulation models. Environ Model Softw 17:135–144CrossRef
go back to reference Bingner RL, Murphee CE, Mutchler CK (1989) Comparison of sediment yield models on various watersheds in Mississippi. Trans ASAE 32(2):529–534 Bingner RL, Murphee CE, Mutchler CK (1989) Comparison of sediment yield models on various watersheds in Mississippi. Trans ASAE 32(2):529–534
go back to reference Brunner AC, Park SJ, Ruecker GR, Dikau R, Vlek PLG (2004) Catenary soil development influencing erosion susceptibility along a hillslope in Uganda. Catena 58:1–22CrossRef Brunner AC, Park SJ, Ruecker GR, Dikau R, Vlek PLG (2004) Catenary soil development influencing erosion susceptibility along a hillslope in Uganda. Catena 58:1–22CrossRef
go back to reference Chatterjee BN, Maiti S (1981) Principles and practices of rice growing. Oxford and IBH, New Delhi Chatterjee BN, Maiti S (1981) Principles and practices of rice growing. Oxford and IBH, New Delhi
go back to reference Chow VT (1959) Open-channel hydraulics. McGraw-Hill, New York, p 680 Chow VT (1959) Open-channel hydraulics. McGraw-Hill, New York, p 680
go back to reference Croke J, Nethery M (2006) Modelling runoff and soil erosion in logged forests: scope and application of some existing models. Catena 67:35–49CrossRef Croke J, Nethery M (2006) Modelling runoff and soil erosion in logged forests: scope and application of some existing models. Catena 67:35–49CrossRef
go back to reference Dabral PP, Baithuri N, Pandey A (2008) Soil erosion assessment in a hilly catchment of North Eastern India using USLE, GIS and remote sensing. Water Resour Manage 22:1783–1798CrossRef Dabral PP, Baithuri N, Pandey A (2008) Soil erosion assessment in a hilly catchment of North Eastern India using USLE, GIS and remote sensing. Water Resour Manage 22:1783–1798CrossRef
go back to reference Flanagan DC, Livingston SJ (1995) USDA–Water Erosion Prediction Project-WEPP user summary. NSREL report no. 11. USDA-ARS NSERL, West Lafayette, IN Flanagan DC, Livingston SJ (1995) USDA–Water Erosion Prediction Project-WEPP user summary. NSREL report no. 11. USDA-ARS NSERL, West Lafayette, IN
go back to reference Flanagan DC, Nearing MA (1995) USDA–Water Erosion Prediction Project: Hillslope profile and watershed model documentation. NSERL report no. 10. West Lafayette, IN Flanagan DC, Nearing MA (1995) USDA–Water Erosion Prediction Project: Hillslope profile and watershed model documentation. NSERL report no. 10. West Lafayette, IN
go back to reference Gronsten HA, Lundekvam H (2006) Prediction of surface runoff and soil loss in southeastern Norway using the WEPP Hillslope model. Soil Till Res 85:186–199CrossRef Gronsten HA, Lundekvam H (2006) Prediction of surface runoff and soil loss in southeastern Norway using the WEPP Hillslope model. Soil Till Res 85:186–199CrossRef
go back to reference Gupta SC, Kapoor VK (2002) Exact sampling distributions. In: Fundamentals of mathematical statistics. Sultan Chand & Sons, New Delhi, pp 14.1–14.74 Gupta SC, Kapoor VK (2002) Exact sampling distributions. In: Fundamentals of mathematical statistics. Sultan Chand & Sons, New Delhi, pp 14.1–14.74
go back to reference Jackson ML (1973) Soil chemical analysis. Prentice Hall of India Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi Jackson ML (1973) Soil chemical analysis. Prentice Hall of India Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
go back to reference Knisel WG (1980) CREAMS: a field scale model for chemicals, runoff and erosion from agricultural management systems. Conservation Research Report No 26 USDA, Washington D.C. (USA), 643p Knisel WG (1980) CREAMS: a field scale model for chemicals, runoff and erosion from agricultural management systems. Conservation Research Report No 26 USDA, Washington D.C. (USA), 643p
go back to reference Larose M, Oropeza-Mota JL, Norton D, Turrent-Fernandez A, Martinez-Menez M (2004) Application of the WEPP model to hillside lands in the Tuxtlas, Veracruz, México. Agrociencia ISSN–1405–3195 38(2):155–163 Larose M, Oropeza-Mota JL, Norton D, Turrent-Fernandez A, Martinez-Menez M (2004) Application of the WEPP model to hillside lands in the Tuxtlas, Veracruz, México. Agrociencia ISSN–1405–3195 38(2):155–163
go back to reference Leagates DR, McCabe CJ Jr (1999) Evaluating the use of “goodness-of-fit” measures in hydrologic and hydroclimatic model validation. Water Resour Res 35(1):233–241CrossRef Leagates DR, McCabe CJ Jr (1999) Evaluating the use of “goodness-of-fit” measures in hydrologic and hydroclimatic model validation. Water Resour Res 35(1):233–241CrossRef
go back to reference Martinec J, Rango A (1989) Merits of statistical criteria for the performance of hydrologic models. Water Resour Bull AWRA 25:421–432CrossRef Martinec J, Rango A (1989) Merits of statistical criteria for the performance of hydrologic models. Water Resour Bull AWRA 25:421–432CrossRef
go back to reference McCuen RH (1973) The role of sensitivity analysis in hydrologic modeling. J Hydrol 18:37–53CrossRef McCuen RH (1973) The role of sensitivity analysis in hydrologic modeling. J Hydrol 18:37–53CrossRef
go back to reference Milliman JD, Meade RH (1983) Worldwide delivery of river sediments to the oceans. J Geol 91:1–21CrossRef Milliman JD, Meade RH (1983) Worldwide delivery of river sediments to the oceans. J Geol 91:1–21CrossRef
go back to reference Nash JE, Sutcliffe JV (1970) River flow forecasting through conceptual models, Part-1: a discussion of principles. J Hydrol 10:282–290CrossRef Nash JE, Sutcliffe JV (1970) River flow forecasting through conceptual models, Part-1: a discussion of principles. J Hydrol 10:282–290CrossRef
go back to reference Nearing MA, Deer-Ascough L, Laflen JM (1990) Sensitivity analysis of the WEPP Hillslope profile erosion model. Trans ASAE 33:839–849 Nearing MA, Deer-Ascough L, Laflen JM (1990) Sensitivity analysis of the WEPP Hillslope profile erosion model. Trans ASAE 33:839–849
go back to reference Nearing MA, Foster GR, Lane LJ, Finkner SC (1989) A process-based soil erosion model for USDA–Water Erosion Prediction Project technology. Trans ASAE 32:1587–1593 Nearing MA, Foster GR, Lane LJ, Finkner SC (1989) A process-based soil erosion model for USDA–Water Erosion Prediction Project technology. Trans ASAE 32:1587–1593
go back to reference Pandey A, Chowdary VM, Mal BC (2007) Identification of critical erosion prone areas in the small agricultural watershed using USLE, GIS and remote sensing. Water Resour Manage 21:729–746CrossRef Pandey A, Chowdary VM, Mal BC (2007) Identification of critical erosion prone areas in the small agricultural watershed using USLE, GIS and remote sensing. Water Resour Manage 21:729–746CrossRef
go back to reference Pandey A, Chowdary VM, Mal BC, Billib M (2008) Runoff and sediment yield modelling from a small agricultural watershed in India using the WEPP model. J Hydrol 348:305–319CrossRef Pandey A, Chowdary VM, Mal BC, Billib M (2008) Runoff and sediment yield modelling from a small agricultural watershed in India using the WEPP model. J Hydrol 348:305–319CrossRef
go back to reference Pieri L, Bittelli M, Wu JQ, Dun S, Flanagan DC, Pisa PR, Ventura F, Salvatorelli F (2007) Using the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) model to simulate field-observed runoff and erosion in the Apennines mountain range, Italy. J Hydrol 336:84–97CrossRef Pieri L, Bittelli M, Wu JQ, Dun S, Flanagan DC, Pisa PR, Ventura F, Salvatorelli F (2007) Using the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) model to simulate field-observed runoff and erosion in the Apennines mountain range, Italy. J Hydrol 336:84–97CrossRef
go back to reference Raclot D, Albergel J (2006) Runoff and water erosion modelling using WEPP on a Mediterranean cultivated catchment. Phys Chem Earth 31:1038–1047CrossRef Raclot D, Albergel J (2006) Runoff and water erosion modelling using WEPP on a Mediterranean cultivated catchment. Phys Chem Earth 31:1038–1047CrossRef
go back to reference Renard KG, Foste GR, Yoder DC, McCool DK (1994) RUSLE revisited: status, questions, answers, and the future. J Soil Water Conserv 49(3):213–220 Renard KG, Foste GR, Yoder DC, McCool DK (1994) RUSLE revisited: status, questions, answers, and the future. J Soil Water Conserv 49(3):213–220
go back to reference Romero CC, Baigorria GA, Stroosnijder L (2007) Changes of erosive rainfall for El Niño and La Niña years in the northern Andean highlands of Peru. Clim Chang 85:343–356CrossRef Romero CC, Baigorria GA, Stroosnijder L (2007) Changes of erosive rainfall for El Niño and La Niña years in the northern Andean highlands of Peru. Clim Chang 85:343–356CrossRef
go back to reference Satapathy KK (1996) Shifting cultivation in North Eastern Region: an overview. Indian J Soil Water Conserv 34:171–179 Satapathy KK (1996) Shifting cultivation in North Eastern Region: an overview. Indian J Soil Water Conserv 34:171–179
go back to reference Sharma A, Tiwari KN, Bhadoria PBS (2011) Effect of land use land cover change on soil erosion potential in an agricultural watershed. Environ Monit Assess 173:789–801CrossRef Sharma A, Tiwari KN, Bhadoria PBS (2011) Effect of land use land cover change on soil erosion potential in an agricultural watershed. Environ Monit Assess 173:789–801CrossRef
go back to reference Sharpley AN, Williams JR (1990) EPIC-erosion/productivity impact calculator: model documentation. USDA Technical Bull no 1768. p 235 Sharpley AN, Williams JR (1990) EPIC-erosion/productivity impact calculator: model documentation. USDA Technical Bull no 1768. p 235
go back to reference Singh (2010) Development of vegetative and structural management strategies for eastern Himalayan hilly watersheds using field measurements and a physically based model. Unpublished Ph. D. Thesis, Department AgFE, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India, variously paged Singh (2010) Development of vegetative and structural management strategies for eastern Himalayan hilly watersheds using field measurements and a physically based model. Unpublished Ph. D. Thesis, Department AgFE, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India, variously paged
go back to reference Singh RK, Panda RK, Satapathy KK, Ngachan SV (2011) Simulation of runoff and sediment yield from a hilly watershed in the eastern Himalaya, India using the WEPP model. J Hydrol 405:261–276CrossRef Singh RK, Panda RK, Satapathy KK, Ngachan SV (2011) Simulation of runoff and sediment yield from a hilly watershed in the eastern Himalaya, India using the WEPP model. J Hydrol 405:261–276CrossRef
go back to reference Sorooshian S, Gupta VK (1995) Model calibration. In: Singh VP (ed) Computer models of watershed hydrology. Water Resources Publication, Highlands Ranch, pp 23–68 Sorooshian S, Gupta VK (1995) Model calibration. In: Singh VP (ed) Computer models of watershed hydrology. Water Resources Publication, Highlands Ranch, pp 23–68
go back to reference Subramanium K (1996) Engineering hydrology. Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Company Limited, New Delhi, pp 180–190 Subramanium K (1996) Engineering hydrology. Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Company Limited, New Delhi, pp 180–190
go back to reference Sumner ME, Miller WP (1996) Cation exchange capacity and exchange coefficients. In: Sparks AL (Ed) Methods of soil analysis. Part 3. Chemical methods. Am Soc Agron, Madison, WI, pp 1201–1230 Sumner ME, Miller WP (1996) Cation exchange capacity and exchange coefficients. In: Sparks AL (Ed) Methods of soil analysis. Part 3. Chemical methods. Am Soc Agron, Madison, WI, pp 1201–1230
go back to reference Thomann RV (1982) Verification of water quality models. J Environ Eng 108:923–940 Thomann RV (1982) Verification of water quality models. J Environ Eng 108:923–940
go back to reference Tiwari AK, Risse LM, Nearing MA (2000) Evaluation of WEPP and its comparison with USLE and RUSLE. Trans ASAE 43(5):1129–1135 Tiwari AK, Risse LM, Nearing MA (2000) Evaluation of WEPP and its comparison with USLE and RUSLE. Trans ASAE 43(5):1129–1135
go back to reference Verma AK, Jha MK, Mahana RK (2010) Evaluation of HEC-HMS and WEPP for simulating watershed runoff using remote sensing and geographical information system. Paddy Water Environ 8:131–144CrossRef Verma AK, Jha MK, Mahana RK (2010) Evaluation of HEC-HMS and WEPP for simulating watershed runoff using remote sensing and geographical information system. Paddy Water Environ 8:131–144CrossRef
go back to reference Vilayutham M (1999) Soil resources of India—potential problems and strategies for the future. Lead paper: National seminar on Strategies for Agricultural Research in North East, November 10–12, 1999, Umiam, Meghalaya, India Vilayutham M (1999) Soil resources of India—potential problems and strategies for the future. Lead paper: National seminar on Strategies for Agricultural Research in North East, November 10–12, 1999, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
go back to reference Williams JR (1975) Sediment yield prediction with universal equation using runoff energy factor, Present and Prospective Technology for Predicting Sediment Yields and Sources. Report ARS-S-40, USDA-ARS, Washington, DC, pp. 244–252 Williams JR (1975) Sediment yield prediction with universal equation using runoff energy factor, Present and Prospective Technology for Predicting Sediment Yields and Sources. Report ARS-S-40, USDA-ARS, Washington, DC, pp. 244–252
go back to reference Wischmeier WH, Smith DD (1978) Predicting rainfall erosion loss: a guide to conservation planning. USDA Handbook 537, Washington, DC, pp. 58 Wischmeier WH, Smith DD (1978) Predicting rainfall erosion loss: a guide to conservation planning. USDA Handbook 537, Washington, DC, pp. 58
go back to reference Xevi E, Christiaens K, Espinao A, Sewnandan W, Mallants D, Sorensen H, Feyen J (1997) Calibration, validation and sensitivity analysis of the MIKE-SHE model using the Neuenkirchen catchment as a case study. Water Resour Manag 11:219–242CrossRef Xevi E, Christiaens K, Espinao A, Sewnandan W, Mallants D, Sorensen H, Feyen J (1997) Calibration, validation and sensitivity analysis of the MIKE-SHE model using the Neuenkirchen catchment as a case study. Water Resour Manag 11:219–242CrossRef
go back to reference Young RA, Onstad CA, Bosch DD, Anderson WP (1989) AGNPS: a non-point source pollution model for evaluating agricultural watersheds. J Soil Water Conserv 44:68–73 Young RA, Onstad CA, Bosch DD, Anderson WP (1989) AGNPS: a non-point source pollution model for evaluating agricultural watersheds. J Soil Water Conserv 44:68–73
go back to reference Yu B, Rosewell CJ (2001) Evaluation of WEPP for runoff and soil loss prediction at Gunnedah, NSW, Australia. Aust J Soil Res 39:1131–1145CrossRef Yu B, Rosewell CJ (2001) Evaluation of WEPP for runoff and soil loss prediction at Gunnedah, NSW, Australia. Aust J Soil Res 39:1131–1145CrossRef
go back to reference Zhang XC, Liu WZ (2005) Simulating potential response of hydrology, soil erosion, and crop productivity to climate change in Changwu tableland region on the Loess Plateau of China. Agric For Meteorol 131:127–142CrossRef Zhang XC, Liu WZ (2005) Simulating potential response of hydrology, soil erosion, and crop productivity to climate change in Changwu tableland region on the Loess Plateau of China. Agric For Meteorol 131:127–142CrossRef
Metadata
Title
Runoff and Sediment Yield Modelling for a Treated Hilly Watershed in Eastern Himalaya Using the Water Erosion Prediction Project Model
Authors
R. K. Singh
R. K. Panda
K. K. Satapathy
S. V. Ngachan
Publication date
01-02-2012
Publisher
Springer Netherlands
Published in
Water Resources Management / Issue 3/2012
Print ISSN: 0920-4741
Electronic ISSN: 1573-1650
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11269-011-9937-4

Other articles of this Issue 3/2012

Water Resources Management 3/2012 Go to the issue