Application of Geospatial Technologies and KOBO Tool for Site Suitability Assessment of Soil and Water Conservation Measures in the Wasari Watershed, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Integrated watershed management is essential for conserving soil and water resources under increasing climatic variability. The present study focuses on the application of Geospatial technology and the KOBO tool for identifying soil and water conservation measures within Wasari Watershed, Yavatmal District, Maharashtra, India. The watershed covers 914.19 ha and has an elevation range of 207 m to 323 m above mean sea level. The integration of Geographical Information System (GIS) analysis with the mobile-based KOBO tool enabled accurate geo-tagging, field data collection, and technical planning of soil and water conservation structures in the watershed. Spatial datasets, including the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) Digital Elevation Model (DEM), land use/land cover, soil characteristics, geology, lineaments, slope, drainage density, and topography, were analysed using GIS techniques. A weighted overlay method was applied to prepare the land capability classification map by assigning weights to slope (30%), soil (25%), land use/land cover (20%), topography (15%), geology (10%), and lineament density (10%). The results indicate that a significant portion of the watershed falls under Class II land capability, suggesting moderate suitability for agriculture with proper conservation practices. Soil analysis revealed a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, low to moderate organic carbon content, and dominance of sandy clay loam and clay soils with variable depths. The suitable land area and drainage line treatments were proposed. Measures such as contour bunding based on the ridge-to-valley approach, farm bunding, afforestation, water-absorption trenches, loose boulder structures, gully plugs, and gabion structures were recommended to reduce runoff, control soil erosion, and enhance groundwater recharge. The study concludes that integration of Remote Sensing, GIS, and KOBO tool provides a scientific and practical framework for prioritizing soil and water conservation measures and supports climate-resilient watershed development.