Hydro-ecological analysis of a sacred lake watershed system in relation to land-use/cover change from Sikkim Himalaya

摘要: Abstract The hydrology and ecological linkages between Khecheopalri lake its surrounding watershed (area: 12 km2) in Sikkim were investigated to assess the long-term impacts of land-use/cover change on ecosystem bog formation around glaciated lake. Significant occurred past 4 decades. area expanded by 67%, while under agriculture land grew 63% 1988 1997. Overland flow was highest bare (4.77% precipitation) lowest areas cardamom-based agroforestry (1.79%). Soil nutrient losses cultivated least cardamom system. Sediment loads 345 Mg year−1 recorded at inlet 316 outlet. Annual soil loss from 502 km−2 a net sediment deposition 141 year−1. received high (organic carbon 10.2 year−1, total nitrogen 1.01 phosphorus 0.51 year−1) erosion overland flow. pH, bulk density peat increased towards bog-forest edge. This reflects trapping sediments nutrients forest margin, although their retention is limited. Agricultural practices should be minimized upper part encouraged maintain health longevity