Nirmalya Kumar Nath1, Pradeep Kumar Singh, Mahesh Kothari, Sita Ram Bhakar, Kamal Kishore Yadav and Narayan Lal Panwar
Abstract
Surface water modelling plays a pivotal role in our ability to comprehend and effectively manage the intricate dynamics of watershed hydrology. It serves as a cornerstone for making informed decisions across a spectrum of critical domains, including environmental conservation, water resource planning, and land use management. In this context, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) has risen to prominence as a versatile and widely embraced modelling framework, uniquely suited for simulating the complex hydrological processes that unfold within watersheds. It helps in simulating water balance components, predicting streamflow, estimating sediment and nutrient transport, and evaluating the effectiveness of conservation practices. The SWAT model assists in understanding the impacts of land management decisions on water resources and aids in making informed decisions for sustainable water management. This comprehensive review paper serves as a thorough exploration of SWAT, covering a broad spectrum of facets that include its fundamental features, its diverse array of real-world applications, its inherent limitations, and the latest advancements that have propelled its utility.