Watershed conservation prioritization using geomorphometric and land use-land cover parameters

Geomorphometric features and land use/land cover are essential in the context of watershed prioritization for resources conservation and protection. Watersheds in tropical regions like the Philippines are under threat of degradation due to the combined effects of uncontrolled agricultural activities...

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Main Authors: G.R. Puno, R.C.C. Puno
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: GJESM Publisher 2019-07-01
Series:Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management
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Online Access:https://www.gjesm.net/article_34769_47aaa147f7962777b119a3e6b138e599.pdf
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author G.R. Puno
R.C.C. Puno
author_facet G.R. Puno
R.C.C. Puno
author_sort G.R. Puno
collection DOAJ
description Geomorphometric features and land use/land cover are essential in the context of watershed prioritization for resources conservation and protection. Watersheds in tropical regions like the Philippines are under threat of degradation due to the combined effects of uncontrolled agricultural activities in the uplands and frequently increasing erosive precipitations brought about by climate change. Watershed managers are challenged with these pressing issues and concerns because most watersheds have no sufficient data as a basis for decision making. This paper presents the method of analyzing the different geomorphometric features and the existing land use or land cover to assess the propensity of the watershed against erosion so that areas needing immediate treatment can be prioritized. Arbitrarily, fourteen subwatersheds coded as SW<sub>1</sub> to SW<sub>14</sub> were delineated using a digital elevation model and geographic information system tool. Geomorphometric features categorized as areal aspect, relief features, and channel morphology parameters were generated and analyzed. Parameters having direct and inverse effect to erosion risk was used as the criteria in the ranking process. Land use/land cover was added to geomorphometric parameters to come up with compound values for final prioritization. Results showed that SW<sub>13</sub>, SW<sub>14</sub>, and SW<sub>4</sub> were classified under very high priority implying focus for appropriate management actions while SW<sub>10</sub>, SW6, and SW<sub>7</sub> were classified under very low priority suggesting favorable environmental condition in these areas. The study provides significant information helpful to watershed managers and planners especially in crafting a plan for integrated watershed management wherein programs and projects implementation have to be prioritized.
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spelling doaj-art-1870ba4d87584a97a3d248a17b4b10592025-02-02T02:04:52ZengGJESM PublisherGlobal Journal of Environmental Science and Management2383-35722383-38662019-07-015327929410.22034/GJESM.2019.03.0234769Watershed conservation prioritization using geomorphometric and land use-land cover parametersG.R. Puno0R.C.C. Puno1College of Forestry and Environmental Science, Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon, PhilippinesCollege of Forestry and Environmental Science, Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon, PhilippinesGeomorphometric features and land use/land cover are essential in the context of watershed prioritization for resources conservation and protection. Watersheds in tropical regions like the Philippines are under threat of degradation due to the combined effects of uncontrolled agricultural activities in the uplands and frequently increasing erosive precipitations brought about by climate change. Watershed managers are challenged with these pressing issues and concerns because most watersheds have no sufficient data as a basis for decision making. This paper presents the method of analyzing the different geomorphometric features and the existing land use or land cover to assess the propensity of the watershed against erosion so that areas needing immediate treatment can be prioritized. Arbitrarily, fourteen subwatersheds coded as SW<sub>1</sub> to SW<sub>14</sub> were delineated using a digital elevation model and geographic information system tool. Geomorphometric features categorized as areal aspect, relief features, and channel morphology parameters were generated and analyzed. Parameters having direct and inverse effect to erosion risk was used as the criteria in the ranking process. Land use/land cover was added to geomorphometric parameters to come up with compound values for final prioritization. Results showed that SW<sub>13</sub>, SW<sub>14</sub>, and SW<sub>4</sub> were classified under very high priority implying focus for appropriate management actions while SW<sub>10</sub>, SW6, and SW<sub>7</sub> were classified under very low priority suggesting favorable environmental condition in these areas. The study provides significant information helpful to watershed managers and planners especially in crafting a plan for integrated watershed management wherein programs and projects implementation have to be prioritized.https://www.gjesm.net/article_34769_47aaa147f7962777b119a3e6b138e599.pdfDigital elevation modelerosionGeographic Information Systemwatershed management
spellingShingle G.R. Puno
R.C.C. Puno
Watershed conservation prioritization using geomorphometric and land use-land cover parameters
Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management
Digital elevation model
erosion
Geographic Information System
watershed management
title Watershed conservation prioritization using geomorphometric and land use-land cover parameters
title_full Watershed conservation prioritization using geomorphometric and land use-land cover parameters
title_fullStr Watershed conservation prioritization using geomorphometric and land use-land cover parameters
title_full_unstemmed Watershed conservation prioritization using geomorphometric and land use-land cover parameters
title_short Watershed conservation prioritization using geomorphometric and land use-land cover parameters
title_sort watershed conservation prioritization using geomorphometric and land use land cover parameters
topic Digital elevation model
erosion
Geographic Information System
watershed management
url https://www.gjesm.net/article_34769_47aaa147f7962777b119a3e6b138e599.pdf
work_keys_str_mv AT grpuno watershedconservationprioritizationusinggeomorphometricandlanduselandcoverparameters
AT rccpuno watershedconservationprioritizationusinggeomorphometricandlanduselandcoverparameters