The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) is the most widely used global soil erosion model. The poor performance of the RUSLE is solely dependent on the inherent structure of the RUSLE model to account for the soil erosion phenomena under varying topographic and climatic conditions. Considering the extensive global application of the RUSLE model, it is high time in research to identify the suitability of the RUSLE model under varying conditions. In this context, a global-scale review of the RUSLE model application was carried out to identify the best possible conditions for its reliable application and the conditions where it yielded poor performance. RUSLE is still the most frequently operational erosion simulation model despite its numerous deficiencies, weaknesses, and limitations. Nevertheless, the application over large and ungauged areas remains a real challenge due to the non-availability and quality of the required inputs.

The present study assessed the impact of climate change in the Anandapur catchment of Baitarani River basin, India, using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) hydrological model. The future climatic alterations under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs), i.e. 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios, are quantified by an ensemble of two different CMIP5 models, i.e. CNRM-CM5.0, GFDL-CM3.0. The outcomes of this study reveal that the future rainfall and temperature may experience an increasing trend with gradual shifting of monsoon from mid-June to mid-May. The average annual streamflow experienced the highest increase during the period 2071–2095, whereas the highest average annual evapotranspiration (ET) is observed for the period 2046–2070 under both the RCPs and resulting in comparatively slower groundwater recharge (GWR) over the basin. In order to implement suitable adaptation strategies for a possible flood scenario on the concerned study basin, three critical sub-basins, namely, sub-basin 1, 4, and 5, were identified. Furthermore, the altered streamflow and ET dynamics may result in a significant shifting in the conventional agricultural practice in the coming future time scales. Conclusively, the outcomes of this study have potential implications for policy makers in formulating the policies related to sustainable water resources management in future scenarios.