How to Calculate and Solve for Drainage Density | Soil and Water Conservation

September 29, 2020April 18, 2024 Loveth Idoko

Last Updated on April 18, 2024

The image above represents drainage density. To calculate drainage density, two essential parameters are needed and these parameters are Total length of all stream channel (L) and Area of basin (A).

The formula for calculating drainage density:

D_b = ^L / _A

Where:

D_b = Drainage Density
L = Total Length of all Stream Channel
A = Area of Basin

Let’s solve an example;
Find the drainage density when the total length of all stream channel is 48 and the area of basin is 4.

This implies that;

L = Total Length of all Stream Channel = 48
A = Area of Basin = 4

That is, D_b = ^L / _A
D_b = ⁴⁸ / ₄
D_b = 12

Therefore, the drainage density is 12.

Calculating for Total Length of all Stream Channel when the Drainage Density and the Area of Basin are Given

L = D_b x A

Where;

L = Total Length of all Stream Channel
D_b = Drainage Density
A = Area of Basin

Let’s solve an example;
Find the total length of all stream channel when the drainage density is 10 and the area of basin is 2.

This implies that;

D_b = Drainage Density = 10
A = Area of Basin = 2

So, L = D_b x A
L = 10 x 2
L = 20

Therefore, the total length of all stream channel is 20.

Calculating for the Area of Basin when the Drainage Density and the Total Length of all Stream Channel are Given

A = ^L / _{D_b}

Where;

A = Area of Basin
D_b = Drainage Density
L = Total Length of all Stream Channel

Let’s solve an example;
Find the area of basin when the drainage density is 5 and the total length of all stream channel is 50.

This implies that;

D_b = Drainage Density = 5
L = Total Length of all Stream Channel = 50

Then, A = ^L / _{D_b}
A = ⁵⁰ / ₅
A = 10

Therefore, the area of basin is 10.

How to Calculate Drainage Density in Soil and Water Conservation Using Nickzom Calculator

Nickzom Calculator – The Calculator Encyclopedia is capable of calculating the drainage density.

To get the answer and workings of the drainage density using the Nickzom Calculator – The Calculator Encyclopedia. First, you need to obtain the app.

You can get this app via any of these means:

Web – https://www.nickzom.org/calculator-plus

To get access to the professional version via web, you need to register and subscribe for NGN 2,000 per annum to have utter access to all functionalities.
You can also try the demo version via https://www.nickzom.org/calculator

Android (Paid) – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.nickzom.nickzomcalculator
Android (Free) – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nickzom.nickzomcalculator
Apple (Paid) – https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nickzom-calculator/id1331162702?mt=8
Once, you have obtained the calculator encyclopedia app, proceed to the Calculator Map, then click on Agricultural under Engineering.

Now, Click on Soil and Water Conservation under Agricultural

Now, Click on Drainage Density under Soil and Water Conservation

The screenshot below displays the page or activity to enter your values, to get the answer for the drainage density according to the respective parameters which is the Total length of all stream channel (L) and Area of basin (A).

Now, enter the values appropriately and accordingly for the parameters as required by the Total length of all stream channel (L) is 48 and Area of basin (A) is 4.

Finally, Click on Calculate

As you can see from the screenshot above, Nickzom Calculator– The Calculator Encyclopedia solves for the drainage density and presents the formula, workings and steps too.