Geospatial Techniques for Soil Erosion-Based Watershed Prioritisation: A Review

Abstract

The degradation of the environment caused by anthropogenic has raised significant concerns about the sustainability of land, water, and energy resources. It is crucial to acknowledge the unique characteristics of each watershed and the variability in the impact of human and natural activities across regions. Soil erosion emerges as a major threat, which leads to degraded soil, reduced agricultural productivity, and water pollution. Effective watershed management is essential for preventing soil erosion and ensuring the sustainability of resources. A fundamental step in effective watershed management involves evaluating and identifying the most severely impacted sub-watersheds. This study focuses on soil erosion-based prioritisation studies in India, examining their main findings, models, and methodologies. Geospatial techniques, which include Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS), have proven effective for mapping and assessing soil erosion at different scales. These methods identify erosion-causing factors, including land use, slope, rainfall intensity, and soil characteristics. By integrating geospatial data, accurate assessments of soil erosion vulnerability can be made, supporting informed decision-making. Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) helps in prioritisation by evaluating multiple soil erosion criteria and assigning weights based on their relative importance. Geospatial tools facilitate comprehensive assessments of soil erosion vulnerability, aiding decision-making processes. The review offers insights for researchers to conduct reliable assessments and generate data on soil erosion. Integrating Land Use Land Cover Changes (LULCC) and socio-economic conditions in prioritisation studies is recommended. This paper can assist researchers generate reliable data on soil erosion, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions regarding adaptation and mitigation strategies. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025.