Estimation of Soil Erosion and Net Sediment Trapped of Upper-Helmand Catchment in Kajaki Reservoir Using USLE Model and Remote Sensing & GIS Technique

Soil erosion is a serious problem and greatest destroyer to land cover management and resources of the Upper-Helmand river basin catchment. The Upper-Helmand river basin catchment covers an area of 46,793 square kilometers. In the present study, Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) model with Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques have been used to estimate soil erosion risks and sediment yield at the Upper-Helmand catchment outlet (Kajki reservoir). Potential soil erosion and magnitude are determined in the catchment. Using USLE model, soil erosion map has been prepared and presented, which will be helpful for conservational and management practices to reduce soil erosion and its yield into the reservoir. It is also found that the average soil erosion from the catchment is 6.22ton/ha/year and corresponding sediment yield trapped at the Kajaki reservoir.