FRM 70 – Watershed Management

Laboratory Exercise 7

Runoff and Sediment Yield Modeling Using QSWAT Model

Wednesday 1:00 – 4:00 PM

Rafaell Jhon G. Gonzales

Rolando A. Maluenda Jr.

May 21, 2024

 ABSTRACT

This study investigates runoff and sediment yield modeling in watersheds using the
QSWAT model, integrated with the QGIS platform for enhanced spatial visualization and
analysis. The introduction emphasizes the importance of understanding runoff and sediment
yield processes for soil and water management. The methods section details the use of
various datasets, including Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), land use/land cover maps, and
climate data, along with QSWAT+ and QGIS software. Students followed video tutorials to
install QSWAT, delineate watersheds, create hydrologic response units (HRUs), and execute
simulations. The findings highlighted significant variability in sediment yield across sub-basins,
with certain areas identified as erosion-prone due to steep slopes and specific vegetation and
soil characteristics. The SWAT model's performance, validated by statistical indicators such
as Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) and the coefficient of determination (R²), demonstrated its
reliability in simulating hydrological processes. These results underscore the model's utility in
predicting runoff and erosion patterns, thereby aiding in the development of effective soil and
water conservation strategies.
 INTRODUCTION

Soil erosion by water is a major environmental concern, impacting soil fertility, water
quality, and reservoir capacity [Upadhya et al., 2012]. Understanding the processes of runoff
and sediment yield in watersheds is crucial for developing effective soil and water
management strategies. Hydrologic models provide valuable tools for simulating these
processes. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) is a widely used physically-based,
distributed model that can assess runoff, sediment yield, and other hydrological components
within complex watersheds [Arnold et al., 1998]. QSWAT, the ArcSWAT interface within the
Geographic Information System (GIS) platform QGIS, offers a user-friendly platform for
building, running, and analyzing SWAT models. This integration allows for spatial visualization
and analysis of model inputs and outputs.

Balasubramanian, A. (2017) Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) are the foundation for
digitally representing Earth's topography. They provide a detailed, three-dimensional (3D)
depiction of land surface elevation relative to a chosen datum, capturing the bare-earth
surface without buildings, trees, or other temporary features. Unlike the broader term "digital
representation of a topographic surface," DEMs specifically focus on elevation data. DEMs
hold the distinction of being the simplest yet highly valuable form of digital topography. Their
widespread use stems from their ability to support diverse applications across various fields.
From hydrologic and geologic analyses to hazard monitoring, natural resource exploration,
and agricultural management, DEMs offer a critical layer of information for informed decision-
making.

By analyzing land cover and how humans use the land (LU/LC), we can gain insights
into the natural and social forces shaping urban development. This information, especially the
spatial distribution of LU/LC, is crucial for stakeholders involved in environmental and resource
management, such as water resources and conservation. Researchers across various
disciplines are increasingly using advanced techniques that combine data from multiple
satellites to create detailed and up-to-date LU/LC maps (Yousefi, et al. 2022).

In this laboratory exercise, students will engage in an interactive and comprehensive

exploration of runoff and sediment yield modeling using the QSWAT (QGIS Soil and Water
Assessment Tool) model. The QSWAT model is a powerful, open-source, and widely-used
hydrologic and water quality model built on the GIS-based platform, QGIS. This exercise aims
to provide a hands-on experience for students to better understand the complex relationships
between land use, soil types, topography, and weather variables that govern runoff and
sediment yield dynamics.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study utilized various datasets and software to model runoff and sediment yield
using the QSWAT model. The required materials included Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data,
land use/land cover (LUL/C) maps, soil maps, climate data, and software such as QSWAT+
version 2.3.3 and QGIS 3.22 (Biatowieza).

The procedure began with selecting an area of interest (AOI) or a study watershed,
previously identified in exercises 6 or 7. To familiarize themselves with the modeling process,
students utilized internet resources, such as Google and YouTube, to find procedures for
conducting runoff and sediment yield predictions using the QSWAT model. They particularly
relied on video tutorials downloaded from YouTube to guide them through the installation and
use of QSWAT and SWAT+ in the QGIS software environment.

The first step involved installing QSWAT and SWAT+ within QGIS, following the
guidance from video tutorials. Once the software was set up, students proceeded to set up
their QSWAT project. This included delineating the watershed within the QSWAT interface
and creating hydrologic response units (HRUs), which are essential for simulating different
hydrological processes.

Subsequently, the students created input files necessary for running the SWAT simulation.
After configuring these inputs, they executed the SWAT model to simulate runoff and sediment
yield. The final step in the procedure was to visualize the results generated by the SWAT
simulation, which allowed the students to analyze and interpret the model outputs effectively.
To aid in the understanding and application of the QSWAT model, specific video tutorials
available on YouTube were recommended for the students. The suggested sequence of topics
was as follows:

First, the students were instructed to locate and watch tutorials on how to install QSWAT
and SWAT+ in QGIS. This foundational step ensured that the necessary software was
correctly set up.

Next, they proceeded with the "Introduction to QSWAT" series, beginning with Part 1 and
then Part 2. These videos provided an essential overview of the QSWAT interface and its
basic functionalities.
 Following the introductory videos, the students explored the "Introduction to SWAT+
Toolbox" series. This series consisted of three parts, each detailing different aspects of the
SWAT+ Toolbox, which was integral to the modeling process.

After gaining a comprehensive understanding of the toolbox, the students returned to the
QSWAT tutorial series, starting with Part 1, which served as a reintroduction. Part 2 covered
setting up the QSWAT project, and Part 3 focused on watershed delineation within QSWAT.

The subsequent videos, Parts 4 and 5, guided the students through creating hydrologic
response units (HRUs) and generating input files for SWAT, respectively. Part 5 also included
instructions on running the SWAT simulation.

Finally, the students watched Part 6, which explained how to visualize the results from the
SWAT simulation. This step was crucial for analyzing and interpreting the data.
 Results

Figure 1. Water Yield Annual Means, Sediment Yield, and Flow Out Totals

Discussion

Figure 1, shows Water Yield Annual Means, Sediment Yield, and Flow Out Totals for
the Guihean Watershed. This map provides valuable information regarding the water yield,
sediment yield, and flow-out totals in the watershed, which are essential factors in watershed
management and hydrological modeling. The study on water flow and sediment flux modeling
in the Wadi Hatab watershed using the SWAT model yielded insightful findings that contribute
to our understanding of erosion dynamics and sediment transport in the region. The spatial
distribution analysis revealed significant variability in sediment yield values across sub-basins,
with values ranging from minimal levels to as high as 60.54 t/ha/year, emphasizing the
heterogeneous nature of erosion susceptibility (Abouabdillah A, 2009). Sub-basins 1, 28, 30,
34, 42, and 45 were identified as particularly vulnerable to erosion due to their steep slopes
and specific vegetation and soil characteristics, underscoring the need for targeted
conservation efforts in these areas (Aouissi J et al., 2012). The study also highlighted the
impact of conservation works, indicating that a considerable portion of the Wadi Hatab
watershed is severely affected by water erosion, necessitating urgent interventions such as
water and soil conservation measures to mitigate erosion and sediment transport.
 Furthermore, the performance evaluation of the SWAT model in simulating flow rates
and sediment yields demonstrated its reliability in capturing the hydrological processes in the
watershed. Statistical indicators, including the Nash—Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) and coefficient
of determination (R^2), indicated a reasonably good agreement between observed and
simulated flow rates, validating the model's ability to represent the complex interactions
influencing water and sediment dynamics in the study area (Arnold JG et al., 1993). These
results underscore the importance of utilizing advanced modeling tools like SWAT to assess
and predict runoff and erosion patterns, enabling informed decision-making for sustainable
water resource management and erosion control strategies in central Tunisia.

In Water Yield Annual Means Map: The water yield annual depicts the trend of water
indicates the average amount of water runoff or discharge from the watershed over a year.
This information is crucial for understanding the water balance in the watershed, assessing
water availability for various uses, and predicting potential flooding events. In the study
conducted by Admas et al. (2022) on soil erosion, sediment yield, and runoff modeling in the
Megech Watershed using the GeoWEPP model, significant variations in water yield across
the watershed were observed. The Water Yield Annual Means Map generated as part of the
study provided valuable insights into the spatial distribution of water yield, highlighting areas
with both high and low water availability.

In Sediment Yield Map: Represents the amount of sediment transported by water from
the watershed. Sediment yield is a critical parameter in watershed management as excessive
sedimentation can degrade water quality, impact aquatic habitats, and reduce reservoir
storage capacity. Monitoring sediment yield helps in assessing erosion rates and
implementing erosion control measures. In the study by Admas et al. (2022) focusing on soil
erosion, sediment yield, and runoff modeling in the Megech Watershed using the GeoWEPP
model, the Sediment Yield Map provided crucial insights into the spatial distribution of
sediment yield across the watershed. The map highlighted varying rates of sediment yield in
different sub-watershed areas, ranging from 10.3 t/ha/year to 54.8 t/ha/year.

Flow Out Totals: The flow out totals in the figure refer to the total volume of water
leaving the watershed through various outlets such as rivers or streams. Understanding the
flow out totals is essential for water allocation, flood forecasting, and assessing the impact of
land use changes on downstream areas. The implications of the study on water flow and
sediment flux modeling in the Wadi Hatab watershed using the SWAT model also extend to
the assessment of Flow Out Totals, providing valuable insights into the total flow rates at the
basin outlet. By analyzing the flow out totals, decision-makers can gain a comprehensive
understanding of the overall water discharge from the watershed, which is crucial for water
resource planning and management [Arnold JG et al., 1993]. The SWAT model's capability to
simulate flow rates and sediment yields enables the estimation of total flow out totals, allowing
stakeholders to assess the magnitude and variability of water discharge over time.
The study's findings on the agreement between observed and simulated flow rates, as
indicated by statistical indicators such as the Nash—Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) and coefficient
of determination (R^2), validate the SWAT model's ability to represent the complex
hydrological processes influencing flow out totals in the Wadi Hatab watershed [Aouissi J et
al., 2012]. This information is essential for understanding the hydrological dynamics of the
watershed, identifying trends in water discharge, and evaluating the impact of conservation
measures on flow out totals.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The key findings of this study indicate significant variability in sediment yield within the
watershed, with certain sub-basins particularly susceptible to erosion. The research question
focused on the ability of the QSWAT model to simulate runoff and sediment yield dynamics
effectively. The results validate the model's reliability, supported by strong statistical indicators
such as NSE and R². This suggests that the QSWAT model is a robust tool for hydrological
and erosion studies, which can significantly contribute to sustainable watershed management
and soil conservation efforts.

To improve the exercise, it is recommended to include more comprehensive training on

advanced QSWAT functionalities and incorporate real-time data collection for model
validation. Additionally, expanding the scope to include comparative studies with other
modeling tools could provide deeper insights into the model's relative performance and
applicability in different watershed scenarios.
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Appendices