Mapping Soil Erosion Risk and Watersheds Prioritizing for Soil and Water Conservation Measures in the Sylhet Haor Basin, Bangladesh, Using Geospatial Techniques
摘要
The Sylhet Haor Basin, known for its rich biodiversity, faces substantial challenges due to soil erosion and ineffective land management strategies. This study intends to analyze the susceptibility of sub-watersheds (SWs) to soil erosion by applying geomorphometric and land use/land cover (LULC) analysis, finally suggesting targeted soil and water conservation (SWC) measures for high-priority locations. The study applied geoinformatics methodologies to define SWs and assess their vulnerability to soil erosion using morphometric parameters and land use/land cover classifications. The analysis assesses 18 SWs based on their sensitivity to soil erosion, providing a revised prioritization of regions needing care. Among these, six SWs covering 1049.09 km2 (11% of the total area) were identified as high-risk zones, driven by steep gradients, high drainage density, and significant land-use changes. Additionally, 2837.80 km2 (31.37%) were classified as medium-risk, while 57.03% of the area was considered low-priority due to minimal erosion risks. The analysis highlighted that 42.98% of the area falls within high to medium-priority classes, including SWs such as SW-5, SW-4, SW-8, and others. These findings stress the importance of tailored strategies to enhance watershed health, stabilize soil, and manage runoff effectively. By focusing on sustainable resource management and ecological resilience, the study contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6 and 15. It underscores the necessity of integrating both human and physical factors in decision-making, providing valuable insights for policymakers on erosion prevention and resource conservation efforts.