WATERSHED

-CONCEPT
&
MANAGEMEN
T NEENU M G
1st M.Sc.
Dept. of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries
AQB2018/04
 WATERSHED
A watershed is an area of land that collects water from rain or snow.
The water collected in the watershed seeps into the ground or flows
downstream into rivers, streams, and lakes.
The different parts that make up a watershed are:
1. Precipitation is water that falls to the earth as rain and snow and
flows into streams and is absorbed into the ground for plants to take
up in their roots.
2. The headwaters are the places where streams begin, usually the
highest point.
3. Small tributary streams flow into one another to make larger
streams. Larger streams join to form rivers.
4.A floodplain is an area that can become flooded when a river or stream
overflows.

5.An estuary is the area where the river meets the ocean. Fresh water
from the river and salt water from the ocean mix here.

6.A ridgeline is the top edge of the mountain that divides one watershed
from another.
 ADVANTAGES OF WATERSHED
Environmental friendly
Saves time and money
Greater peoples participation
IMPORTANCE OF WATERSHED
Watershed sustain life in many ways.

According to Environmental Protection Agency, more than $450

billion in food, fibre, manufactured goods and tourism depend on
clean and healthy watershed. So it is essential for day to day life and
life processes.
 Characteristics of watershed

The characters which affect the watershed mainly include:
1.Size: it helps in computing parameters like precipitation received,
retained, drained off.
2.Shape: different shapes based on morphological parameters like
geology and structure.
E.g.:, Pear, elongated etc.
3.Phisiography: lands altitude and physical disposition.
4.Slope: it controls the rainfall distribution and movement:
5.Climate: it decides the quantitative approach.
6.Drainage: it determines the flow characteristics and the erosion
behavior.
7. Vegetation: information of species gives a sure ground for selection
plants and crops.

8.Geology and Soils: their nature determines size, shape, physiographic,

drainage and groundwater conditions. Soils, derivative of rocks are the
basic to greenery

9.Hydrology: basic to final goal of growing greenery in a watershed. It

helps in quantification of water available.

10.Hydrogeology: availability of groundwater.

11.Socio-economics: statistics on people and their health, hygiene,

wants and wishes are important in managing water.
 Types of watershed
Based on size, there are mainly 5 types of watershed are seen.
Watershed Size (ha)

Macro Watershed- >50,000

Sub Watershed 10,000-50,000
Milli Watershed 1000-10,000
Micro Watershed 100-1000
Mini Watershed 1-100
 Causes of Watershed Deterioration
Faulty agriculture
Forestry & grassland management leads to degradation of land
Unscientific mining & quarrying
Faulty road alignment & construction
Industrialization
Forest fire
Results of Watershed Deterioration
Less production
Erosion
Rapid siltation
Lowering of water table & less storage
 Watershed Management
Watershed management is necessary for the sustainable protection of
natural resources and environmental health.

It recognizes the water cycle as the pathway that integrates physical,
chemical, and biological processes which is an important approach to
achieving the goal of a sustainable environment.

It is the tool to implement an ecosystem- based management strategy.

Objectives

1. Protecting, Conserving & Improving the land resources for efficient

& sustainable production.
2.Protecting & Enhancing water resources, Moderating floods, reducing
silting up of tank/ reservoirs, Increasing irrigation & Conserving
rainwater for crops ,& thus Mitigating droughts.

3.Utilizing the natural local resources for improving agriculture &

allied occupation of industries so as to improve socio-economic
conditions of local residents.

Factors Affecting Watershed Management

1. Watershed characters
i. Size & Shape
ii. Topography
iii. Soil
iv. Relief
2.Climate: amount & intensity of rainfall
3.Watershed operation
4.Land use pattern
Perspectives Of Watershed Development
1.Hydrological Aspects:
Influenced by watershed condition
Treatment & Management changes the slope & roughness which helps
to reduce the surface flow & the peak flow.
Reduces the rate & quantity of sediment erosion
Helps in flood control, conserve soil moisture, & land use.
2.Environmental aspects:
Eco-friendly
Helps to develop green foliage
Enriches environment
Reduce onsite erosion
3.Socio-economic Aspect:
oThe viewpoint of individuals & communities who live there should be
considered.
oMotivate farmers to make necessary investment & capital for
development.
4.Financial Aspects:
 Proper fund should be implement by Govt./NGOs.
 It may range from Rs.4500-6000 per ha
5.Administration & Political Aspects:
Requires cooperation of various planning & implementing agencies
Planning include the measures & activities which favor the political
aspects there.
Conservation Measures
2 types
1.Soil & Water Conservation Methods For Agricultural Land:
Depend on the purpose for which the land & water is to be used
i. Contour Bunding: A series of bunds divide the area into strips &
act as a barrier to flow of water.
ii. Graded Bunding: These are constructed
where the excess water is to be removed
safely to avoid water stagnation.

iii. Bench Terracing: It is practiced on

steep hill slopes which involves
converting the ground into level step
like fields by half cutting & half filling.
iv. Grassed Waterways: These are
associated with channel terraces
for safe disposal of concentrated runoff,
thereby protecting the land against gullies
& rills.
v. Strip Cropping: It consists of a
alternate of series strips of various types
of crops laid out so that all tillage & crop
management practices are performed
across the slope/ the contours.
vi. Mulching: It is done on open land
surface in a cropped area is achieved by
Spreading stubble trash/ any vegetation
to prevent soil from blowing/ being
washed away.

vii. Sub-Soiling: This consists of

breaking with a subsoiler , the hard
& impermeable subsoil to conserve
more rainwater by improving
physical conditions of the soil
2.Soil & Water Conservation Methods For Non-Agricultural Land:
i. Contoured & Staggered Trenches: Suitable
erosion control in hills. Adopted for
hill slopes>20%.

ii. Gully Control Structure: Gully erosion

Usually starts as small rills & then develops
into deeper crevices/ ravines in extreme
cases.
 Geological aspects

Natural Resources Natural Hazards

Earth
Flood quak Landslide
Soil Water e