Vikas Kapale from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, and V G Prabhu Gaonkar from the Department of Geoinformatics at Parvatibai Chowgule College participated in the study, which was headed by FM Nadaf from the Department of Geography at DPM's Shree Mallikarjun & Shri Chetan Manju Desai College, Canacona.
Although there are some encouraging results, such as the fact that 48.03% of the state's land area is at very low risk of erosion, the overall situation is still concerning. According to the study, 4.11% of the land is classified as high-risk for soil erosion, 8.81% as moderate-risk, and 14.68% as low-risk.
According to the study, this data is essential for creating focused conservation plans and sustainable land management techniques. It also highlights how slope steepness and length affect soil erosion. According to the study, there is little chance of erosion because "very low" and "low" slope classes make up 70% and 21.67% of the land area, respectively. Furthermore, only 6.29% of the land area has moderate slopes, whereas 2.25% has steep slopes, suggesting that there aren't many long, steep slopes that are particularly susceptible to soil erosion. The rainfall erosivity in Goa, where the average rainfall exceeds 3,200 mm, is one of the most concerning findings.
Eastern Goa is particularly vulnerable during the intense monsoon season, with nearly half of the state's land area categorized as having high to very high rainfall erosivity.
"High to very high rain fall erosivity affects 50% of Goa's land, mostly in the east. While western regions of Goa (roughly 28% of the total area) have lower rainfall intensity and erosion risk, central Goa exhibits moderate erosivity over 22.66% of its land area. According to the study, this implies that rainfall in western Goa is less intense, which lowers soil erosion.
Additionally, inadequate soil conservation practices were found in the study. The report states that only 5.524% of the land area is categorized as being in the good conservation category, with the remaining 94.4% falling into the bad conservation category. The erosion risks posed by Goa's topography and climate are made worse by the ineffectiveness of proper conservation measures.
These findings have wide-ranging implications. Reduced agricultural output, more sedimentation in waterways, and a decline in biodiversity can all result from soil erosion. The possible economic effects are substantial for a state like Goa, which is primarily dependent on tourism and agriculture.
"This study is a useful resource for Goan land managers and policymakers. We can better allocate resources and attempt to lessen the effects of land degradation if we have a better understanding of the spatial distribution of erosion risks," the researchers stated.
Prioritizing conservation measures in high-risk areas, enforcing stricter land-use planning, particularly in areas with steep slopes and high rainfall intensity, encouraging sustainable agricultural practices, and starting a public awareness campaign on soil conservation are all recommendations made by the research team.