Integrated Sediment Yield Estimation and Control in Erosion-Prone Watersheds: A Systematic Review of Models, Strategies, and Emerging Technologies

Sediment yield remains a major challenge in erosion-prone watersheds because it affects reservoir capacity, water quality, hydraulic infrastructure, and ecological stability. Although numerous studies have examined sediment yield estimation and sediment control, these topics are often treated separately, limiting the development of integrated watershed management strategies. Unlike many existing sediment yield review papers that focus primarily on predictive models, erosion processes, or management measures in isolation, this study provides an integrated synthesis of sediment yield estimation methods and sediment control strategies within a single watershed management framework for erosion-prone environments. The review covers empirical models, traditional sampling, physically based models, and emerging data-driven tools such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, remote sensing, and sensor-based monitoring, alongside structural, vegetative, and adaptive sediment control measures. The reviewed literature indicates three major trends: increasing integration of GIS and remote sensing with conventional models, wider use of process-based models for scenario analysis, and rapid growth of AI-based methods for real-time and nonlinear prediction. The findings further show that no single estimation or control strategy is universally applicable; performance depends strongly on watershed scale, sediment connectivity, land use, climatic regime, and data availability. Overall, the review highlights the need for integrated, adaptive, and site-specific sediment management frameworks that combine predictive modeling, monitoring technologies, and practical control interventions to improve long-term watershed resilience.