Evaluating the effects of soil data quality on the SWAT runoff prediction Performance; A case study of Saz-Cayirova catchment, Turkey

Abstract

This study evaluates the performance of the SWAT model using two different soil databases to reveal the effect of elaborating soil dataset on runoff in a small-scale catchment dominated by dense industrial and residential areas. Soil samples were collected from 29 locations. 7 out of 13 soil parameters required by SWAT were produced by field and laboratory studies to create a specified soil database (SSM). Two simulation designs were constructed using SSM and Food and Agricultural Organization soil database before and after calibration. The main difference between these databases is the soil texture directly affecting runoff. The results show that the SSM is critical for model accuracy in small basins where natural soil cover has decreased due to unnatural activities. In similar basins with these characteristics, significant increases in model accuracy can be achieved by producing specific soil maps with a small number of soil samples or detailing existing maps.