Sandip Pokharel

and 2 more

Soil erosion represents a significant environmental challenge, threatening natural resources and diminishing soil productivity and quality. In Nepal, this issue is exacerbated by both natural factors, such as excessive rainfall, weak geology, and earthquakes, and human activities, including deforestation, overgrazing, intensive agriculture, and poorly planned infrastructure construction. This research was conducted in the Manahari Khola Sub-watershed of the Makwanpur district. The primary aim was to evaluate the extent of soil erosion under current Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) conditions. Essential data sets, including LULC parameters, soil properties, rainfall data, and Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), were generated using Landsat images, FAO guideline-based landform maps, data from the Hydrology Department, and Google Earth. The analysis was carried out using ArcGIS 10.8 and ILWIS 3.3 Academic software. The RMMF soil erosion modeling results indicated a range of soil erosion risks, from Very Low to Very High. Forested and bush areas showed lower rates of soil erosion, while barren lands exhibited significantly higher erosion rates. The erosion susceptibility map further demonstrated that forested regions had a very low risk of soil erosion, agricultural areas had low to moderate risk, and barren lands faced moderate to very high susceptibility. The study underscored the necessity for effective conservation measures, particularly in cutting and cliff areas and barren lands, due to their high erosion potential. Recommendations for future action include afforestation of barren areas, implementation of conservation farming practices in agricultural zones, and adoption of appropriate road stabilization measures to mitigate soil erosion risks.