Land Use, Soil, and Slope Distribution Analysis of Kotkot Watershed Forest Reserve (KWFR) Using SWAT+ Modeling Framework

This study characterizes the spatial attributes of the Kotkot Watershed Forest Reserve (KWFR) in Metro Cebu, Philippines, to provide a foundation for hydrological modeling and conservation planning. Watersheds in rapidly urbanizing regions face increasing land use pressures, making it essential to assess their biophysical variability and susceptibility to degradation. Using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool Plus (SWAT+), the 7,950.78-hectare KWFR was delineated into 17 subbasins and 187 landscape units (LSUs), allowing for detailed analysis of land use, soil, and slope distribution. Results show that perennial cropland dominates the watershed, accounting for 81.56% of the total area, while forested zones are largely confined to higher elevations. Soil mapping identified Baguio clay loam as the most extensive type (66.59%), followed by Faraon clay (30.71%) and Mandaue clay loam (2.78%). Slope analysis indicated that 36% of the area falls under steep to very steep categories (30–>50%), with an additional 29.03% under moderately steep terrain (18–30%). These conditions, intersecting with agricultural expansion, highlight critical areas prone to soil erosion, sedimentation, and nonpoint source pollution. The datasets generated offer essential inputs for hydrological simulation and inform evidence-based land use planning to enhance the ecological resilience and water security functions of the KWFR.