Calibration and validation of the SWAT model for the Sani River basin, Gujarat

Abstract

A simulation study using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model has been initiated to assess current and alternative nutrient, cropping, and management practices in the Sani River Basin in an effort to help mitigate climate change impact in the basin. The SWAT software system has been constructed to manage the input and output data for the SWAT simulations, and the execution of the model for each scenario. An overview of the modeling structure that has been developed for the basin is presented, including the spatial representation of the region within SWAT. Initial results for the baseline simulation are also presented for monthly stream flows near the outlet of the basin, and for annual stream flows for the basin. Overall, the model demonstrated good performance in capturing the patterns and trend of the observed flow series, which confirmed the appropriateness of the model for future scenario simulation. Therefore, SWAT model can be taken as a potential tool for simulation of the hydrology of watershed which behaves hydro-meteorologically similar with Sani basin. Future studies on Sani watershed modeling should address the issues related to water quality and evaluate best management practices.