The Impact of El Niño/Southern Oscillation on Hydrology and Rice Productivity in the Cauvery Basin, India: Application of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool

• DOI: 10.1016/j.wace.2013.10.003
• Publication Date: 2013-10-29T18:03:18Z
• Authors: K. Bhuvaneswari; V. Geethalakshmi; A. Lakshmanan; R. Srinivasan; Nagothu Udaya Sekhar
• Keywords: SWAT model

This study was performed to further understanding of the variations in hydrology and rice crop productivity during different El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events Cauvery River Basin Tamil Nadu, India using Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). The entire divided into 301 sub-basins subdivided 3,601 Hydrological Response Units (HRU). Based on National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) official website, information Niño (1972, 1982, 1987, 1991, 1997, 2002 2004) La Niña (1970, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1988, 1998, 1999 2000) years were obtained. SWAT model continuously run from 1970 2008, a composite for Niño, normal constructed understand their influence area. From analysis, it clear that an episode is correlated with rainfall, river basin. validation indicated capability accurately predict stream flow productivity. It evident investigation quantum rainfall more high inter-annual variability (809.3 mm 2,366 mm) compared years. As result, soil water recharge, including percolation availability surface layers, increased Simulated over 39 ranged between 1,137 7,865 kg ha−1 mean 3,955 ha−1. coefficient variation higher (21.4%) (14.7%) (14.6%). both years, indicating possibility yields than those An analysis hydrological data showed risk failure low or behavior could be utilized forecasting under ENSO conditions can provide policy makers when deciding allocation import / export policies.