Impact of conservation measures on hydrological behaviour of small watersheds in the lower Shivaliks

A study was initiated to determine the impact of conservation measures on the hydrological behavior and community structure of small watersheds in the Shivaliks. Two watersheds (WM1 and WM2) of similar characteristics were delineated in 1959 and were calibrated for 10 years. In 1968, soil and water conservation measures along with sowing and planting of vegetation was carried out in WM2 and WM1 was kept as control. The amount of runoff generated showed a sharp increase in WM1 with increase in amount of rainfall. However, due to adoption of conservation measures, the treated watershed (WM2) maintained runoff at lower level throughout the range of rainfall as compared to the control watershed (WM1). An exponential relationship between soil loss and rainfall was observed in both treated and control watersheds. The amount of soil loss (t ha⁻¹) increased with increase in amount of rainfall. Soil loss from the treated watershed was always lower throughout the range of rainfall as compared to the control watershed due to adoption of conservation measures. Vegetation was observed to be a major controlling factor for reducing run off and soil loss from the