Separating HRUs to Simulate Conservation Works

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jorge.rd...@gmail.com

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Sep 16, 2025, 3:32:45 PMSep 16
to QSWAT

Hello everyone,

I have a specific question regarding the SWAT simulation. I'm modeling a watershed where soil and water conservation (SBN) works, such as terracing, were implemented in specific areas. When I enter these operations in the .ops module, SWAT asks me for the HRU where the works are located.

My problem is that, as you can see in the attached image, the works fall into HRUs that are very large and spatially divided. I understand that HRUs are defined by land use, soil type, and slope. However, geographic location is crucial in this case. I believe that SBNs only influence the areas where they are located, and not the distant portions of the same HRU.

When applying modifications, SWAT extends them to the entire HRU area, also affecting areas where the works were not implemented.

Is there a way to configure the "Create HRUs" tool to split these large HRUs and allow me to isolate the specific areas where the conservation works are located? I'm looking for modifications to apply only to those areas.

I welcome any suggestions or advice.

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Hector Fajardo

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Sep 17, 2025, 10:28:58 AMSep 17
to QSWAT
Hi Jorge, 

HRUs are the smallest spatial units in SWAT. I think you can solve your issue by creating spatially unique HRUs for your targeted areas. That means altering your input files for QSWAT or ArcSWAT so you have those areas delineated clearly on the land use and soil files. Therefore at the moment of creating HRUs you have those areas defined. 
I recommend following the methodology explained in Teshager 2016 (DOI: 10.1007/s00267-015-0636-4). 

Best,
Hector

jorge.rd...@gmail.com

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Sep 18, 2025, 10:48:47 AMSep 18
to QSWAT

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my question, and thank you very much for the article. I believe the methodology you used in this research could be the solution to my problem.

Thank you very much. I will try to apply it and discuss the results in the group.

Thank you and best regards.

Abdurrahman Aweis Ali ce24m801

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Sep 18, 2025, 12:15:28 PMSep 18
to Hector Fajardo, QSWAT
Thank you Hector, for sharing us the methodology you recommended to adopt, it helped me a lot. I appreciate the generosity

Abdurrahman, 
M.tech Student, IITM 

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