Department of Forestry, P.O. Box-59, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar, (Garhwal), Uttarakhand - 246 174.
*Appropriate Technology-India, Ukhimath, Distt. Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand.
**G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi-Katarmal, district-Almora, Uttarakhand.
An attempt was made to assess water runoff, soil and nutrient loss under different land use practices and forest types in a Garhwal Himalaya watershed. pH value of all land uses at different altitudinal zones was recorded below 7. Soil moisture and bulk density were highest in Oak mixed forest. Infiltration rates were highest in wasteland followed by forest land. Runoff and soil loss across altitudinal zones and land uses were highest for agriculture land and lowest for forest. Electrical conductivity of runoff water from all land uses varied during two study years. Run-off water from forest contained highest nitrogen contents and exchangeable phosphorus was maximum in run-off water from agriculture land. High concentration of potassium was found under agriculture runoff water in middle altitudinal zone. Calcium and sodium concentrations in runoff water varied during the two study years as well as in different land uses. Characterization of the watershed indicates immediate attention for conservation measures to protect the natural resources.
Bulk density, Landuse, Nutrient loss, Run-off, Soil loss, Watershed
