Land use scenario analysis and prediction of runoff using SCS-CN method: A case study from the Gudgudi tank, Haveri district, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Runoff from the Gudgudi tank catchment (209 ha) near Hangal in the Northern Karnataka is estimated employing Soil Conservation Services(SCS) model based on the hydrological data and land use/ land cover data. Rainfall measured for 2006 using a tipping bucket indicated annual rainfall of 887.7mm in the tank catchment. Textural characteristics of the soil indicate sandy-clayey type which corresponds to hydrological soil group "C and D". Average Soil infiltration rate of 0.18 cm/hour for the forest-land and 0.21 cm/hour for agriculture land has been observed. Weighted curve number is arrived based on the antecedent moisture conditions, and runoff is estimated for the existing land-use. Areastorage curve is constructed using the tank bed contours. Considering the hypothetical changes in the agriculture and forest area coverage, optimum conditions for maximizing the runoff and storage in the tank is arrived. The analysis suggests land use pattern of 15% of forest cover and 85% of agriculture land coverage in this region provide maximum runoff and storage in the tank for sustainable development. 2011 CAFET-INNOVA TECHNICAL SOCIETY.