Qualitative Evaluation of IntErO, EPM, MPSIAC and RUSLE Models in Order to Select the Optimal Models for Different Conditions for Description of Detailed-Executive Watershed Management Services.

Soil erosion is one of the most important environmental problems in the world, which has created many problems for human societies. Therefore, accurate evaluation of soil erosion in erosion and sedimentation studies is necessary to design and implement appropriate, targeted, and cost-effective conservation measures due to the severity of the problem and socio-economic effects. Therefore, it is necessary to select a suitable and appropriate model for estimating erosion and sedimentation according to the available data, different topographic and climatic conditions of the country and considering the information needs and complexity of the models. Accordingly, in the present study, the strengths and weaknesses of four experimental models including EPM, MPSIAC, RUSLE and IntErO were analyzed qualitatively. The results showed the acceptable results of MPSIAC model in arid regions, the RUSLE model in Mediterranean mountainous areas, high slope forest areas and agricultural areas and EPM and IntErO models in mountainous area and also for watershed management and water resources management. Therefore, it is recommended to select erosion and sediment estimation models in accordance with management goals, available data, topographic and climatic conditions. As a result, it is expected that having suitable selection of a soil erosion and sediment yield model will lead to save time, designing and implementing appropriate, selective and cost-effective conservation measures.