scholarly journals Estimation of soil loss rate using the USLE model for Agewmariayam Watershed, northern Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gebrehana Girmay ◽  
Awdenegest Moges ◽  
Alemayehu Muluneh
Keyword(s):  
Water Conservation ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Loss Rate ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Rainfall Erosivity ◽  
Northern Ethiopia ◽  
Spatial Risk ◽  
Soil Loss Rate ◽  
Loss Rates

Abstract Background Soil erosion and nutrient depletion threaten food security and the sustainability of agricultural production in sub-Saharan Africa. Estimating soil loss and identifying hotspot areas support combating soil degradation. The aim of this paper is to estimate the soil loss rate and identify hotspot areas using USLE model in the Agewmariam watershed, northern Ethiopia. Methods Rainfall erosivity factor was determined from annual rainfall, soil erodibility factor from soil data, slope length and gradient factor were generated from DEM, cover factor and conservation practice factor obtained from land use cover map. Finally, the parameters were integrated with ArcGIS tools to estimate soil loss rates of the study watershed. Results Mean annual soil loss rates were estimated to be between 0 and 897 t ha−1 year−1 on flatter and steeper slopes, respectively. The total annual soil loss was 51,403.13 tons from the watershed and the annual soil loss rate of the study area was 25 t ha−1 year−1. More than 33% of the study areas were above tolerable soil loss rate (11 t ha−1 year−1). The spatial risk categorization rate was 67.2% severe (> 51 t ha−1 year−1), 5.4% very high (31–50 t ha−1 year−1), 5.8% high (19–30 t ha−1 year−1), 3.2% moderate (12–18 t ha−1 year−1) and 18.3% slight (0–11 t ha−1 year−1). Conclusion The results showed that the severity of erosion occurred on the steep slope cultivation, absence of conservation measures, and sparse nature of the vegetation cover. This area required immediate action of soil and water conservation which accounts for about 33.5% of the total watershed.

scholarly journals Assessment of Soil Loss Rates in Asreh Watershed (North Jordan Badia) Using RUSLE and GIS

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-16
Author(s):  
Saad M. AlAyyash ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Loss ◽  
Loss Rate ◽  
Rainwater Harvesting ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Physical Factors ◽  
Rainfall Erosivity ◽  
Water Harvesting ◽  
Rainfall Runoff ◽  
Semi Arid ◽  
Soil Loss Rate

In arid lands, rainwater harvesting can play an important role in making more water available since most of the rainfall runoff evaporates. If rainwater can be collected, it will form a useful resource. Jordan is classified as one of the poorest countries regarding water resources with an arid and semi-arid climate. For these limited and vital sources of water, good estimation of rainfall runoff quantity and quality can enhance the sustainability of water harvesting projects. The hydrologic estimations of runoff quantities and qualities are essential, and several techniques to achieve that exist. Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) is one of the widely used techniques to assess the soil erosion due to runoff, by assessing other physical factors that affect the soil loss. RUSLE combined five parameters to identify the soil loss rate: rainfall erosivity, topographic, soil erodibility, vegetation cover and management, and land management. Based on RUSLE results, areas are classified as a highly soil loss rate if the annual rates exceeded 20 tons per hectare. The Asreh watershed is a 196 km2 area that is mostly wasted land and receives an annual rainfall between 50 and 300 mm per year. The RUSLE equation inputs parameters for the study area are found and the equation is applied for the watershed. Results of RUSLE application on the Asreh watershed showed that the average annual soil loss rate is about 7.8 tons per hectare, about 73% of the area are classified as low soil loss rate with less than 10 tons per hectare per year, and only 13% of the area is classified as a high soil loss rate of more than 20 tons per hectare per year.

scholarly journals Estimating Landscape Vulnerability to Soil Erosion by RUSLE Model Using GIS and Remote Sensing: A Case of Zariema watershed, Northern Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yonas Hagos
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Loss Rate ◽  
Steep Slope ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Northern Ethiopia ◽  
Rusle Model ◽  
Watershed Area ◽  
Factor C ◽  
Soil Loss Rate

Abstract Background:Zariema watershed located in the Tekeze basin Northern highlands of Ethiopia has been a subject to serious problem of soil erosion. Soil degradation due to soil erosion is one of the key environmental and socioeconomic case which threats soil nutrient depletion and food security in northern Ethiopian highlands. This study was conducted to estimate the soil loss rate and identify hotspot areas using RUSLE model in the Zariema watershed, Tekeze basin, Ethiopia.Methods:The rainfall – runoff erosivity(R) factor was determined from mean annual rainfall, soil erodibility(K) factor from soil map, Topographic factor (Ls) were generated from DEM, Crop management factor (C) and Conservation support practice factor(P) obtained from land use/land cover map. Finally, the factors were integrated with Arc GIS 10.3 tools to estimate soil loss rates and landscape vulnerability to soil erosion of the study watershed. Results:Annual Soil losses rates were estimated to be between 0 ton ha-1 year-1 in plain areas and 989 ton ha-1 year-1 in steep slope areas of the study watershed. The total annual soil loss from the entire watershed area of 2239.33Sq. Km was about 3,603,895.23 tons. About 31.41% of the study areas were affected through the soil loss hazard which is above acceptable soil loss rate 11 ton ha-1 year-1. The spatial hazard classification rate was 68.59% of the watershed area categorized as slight (0 – 11 ton ha-1 year-1), 8.03% moderate (12 – 18 ton ha-1 year-1), 7.64% high (19 – 30 ton ha-1 year-1), 6.65% very high (31 – 50 ton ha-1 year-1) and 9.09% severe (>51 ton ha-1 year-1). Conclusion:As a result, In the cultivation land around steep slope the soil loss rate was in sever condition. To mitigate the severity of the soil erosion in the identified prone area which accounts for about 31.41% of the total watershed area immediate action of soil and water conservation required.

GIS estimation of annual average soil loss rate from Hangar River watershed using RUSLE

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 529-539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmud Mustefa ◽  
Fekadu Fufa ◽  
Wakjira Takala
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Loss Rate ◽  
Study Finding ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Rainfall Erosivity ◽  
Vegetative Cover ◽  
Annual Average ◽  
Slope Length ◽  
Soil Loss Rate

Abstract Currently, soil erosion is the major environmental problem in the Blue Nile, Hangar watershed in particular. This study aimed to estimate the spatially distributed mean annual soil erosion and map the most vulnerable areas in Hangar watershed using the revised universal soil loss equation. In this model, rainfall erosivity (R-factor), soil erodibility (K-factor), slope steepness and slope length (LS-factor), vegetative cover (C-factor), and conservation practice (P-factor) were considered as the influencing factors. Maps of these factors were generated and integrated in ArcGIS and then the annual average soil erosion rate was determined. The result of the analysis showed that the amount of soil loss from the study area ranges from 1 to 500 tha−1 yr−1 with an average annual soil loss rate of 32 tha−1 yr−1. Considering contour ploughing with terracing as a fully developed watershed management, the resulting soil loss rate was reduced from 32 to 19.2 tha−1 yr−1. Hence, applying contour ploughing with terracing effectively reduces the vulnerability of the watershed by 40%. Based on the spatial vulnerability of the watershed, most critical soil erosion areas were situated in the steepest part of the watershed. The result of the study finding is helpful for stakeholders to take appropriate mitigation measures.

Unit soil loss rate from various construction sites during a storm

2009 ◽  
Vol 59 (11) ◽  
pp. 2187-2196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marla C. Maniquiz ◽  
Soyoung Lee ◽  
Eunju Lee ◽  
Dong-Soo Kong ◽  
Lee-Hyung Kim
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Loss Rate ◽  
Construction Sites ◽  
Korean Ministry ◽  
Storm Characteristics ◽  
Soil Loss Rate ◽  
Loss Rates

The Korean Ministry of Environment (MOE) opts to establish an ordinance having a standard specifying an allowable soil loss rate applicable to construction projects. The predicted amount of soil loss from a construction site exceeding the standard can be used to calculate the percent reduction necessary to comply with the ordinance. This research was conducted to provide a basis to establish a standard by investigating the unit soil loss rates in the three phases of development: pre-construction, active construction and post construction based from 1,036 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports within the six-year period (2000–2005). Based on the findings, several factors affect the magnitude of soil loss rates particularly storm characteristics, site slope, soil type, location from rivers, as well as the type of construction activity. In general, the unit soil loss rates during the active construction phase are extremely higher in comparison to undisturbed areas; in magnitude of 7 to 80 times larger in urban areas and 18 to 585 times in rural areas. Only between 20 to 40 percent of the soil loss rates was contributed at pre- and post- construction phases indicating that the active construction phase is the most important phase to control.

scholarly journals Assessment of Current and Future Climate Change Impact on Soil Loss Rate of Agewmariam Watershed, Northern Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 117862212199584
Author(s):  
Gebrehana Girmay ◽  
Awdenegest Moges ◽  
Alemayehu Muluneh
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Climate Change Impact ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Loss Rate ◽  
Future Climate Change ◽  
Northern Ethiopia ◽  
Rcp 8.5 ◽  
Change Impact ◽  
Soil Loss Rate

Soil erosion is 1 of the most important environmental problems that pose serious challenges to food security and the future development prospects of Ethiopia. Climate change influences soil erosion and is critical for the planning and management of soil and water resources. This study aimed to assess the current and future climate change impact on soil loss rate for the near future (2011-2040), middle future (2041-2070), and far future (2071-2100) periods relative to the reference period (1989-2018) in the Agewmariam watershed, Northern Ethiopia. The 20 models of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 global climate models (GCMs) under Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 (intermediate scenario) and 8.5 (high emissions scenario) scenarios were used for climate projection. The statistical bias correction method was used to downscale GCMs. Universal Soil Loss Equation integrated with geographic information system was used to estimate soil loss. The results showed that the current average annual soil loss rate and the annual total soil loss on the study area were found to be 25 t ha−1 year−1 and 51 403.13 tons, respectively. The soil loss has increased by 3.0%, 4.7%, and 5.2% under RCP 4.5 scenarios and 6.0%, 9.52%, and 14.32% under RCP 8.5 scenarios in the 2020s, 2050s, and 2080s, respectively, from the current soil loss rate. Thus, the soil loss rate is expected to increase on all future periods (the 2020s, 2050s, and 2080s) under both scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) due to the higher erosive power of the future intense rainfall. Thus, climate change will exacerbate the existing soil erosion problem and would need for vigorous new conservation policies and investments to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change on soil loss.

scholarly journals RUSLE Model Based Annual Soil Loss Quantification for Soil Erosion Protection in Fincha Catchment, Abay River Basin, Ethiopia.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Habtamu Tamiru ◽  
Meseret Wagari
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
River Basin ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Rainfall Erosivity ◽  
Landsat 8 ◽  
Land Resources ◽  
Rusle Model ◽  
Factor C ◽  
Significant Factors

Abstract Background: The quantity of soil loss as a result of soil erosion is dramatically increasing in catchment where land resources management is very weak. The annual dramatic increment of the depletion of very important soil nutrients exposes the residents of this catchment to high expenses of money to use artificial fertilizers to increase the yield. This paper was conducted in Fincha Catchment where the soil is highly vulnerable to erosion, however, where such studies are not undertaken. This study uses Fincha catchment in Abay river basin as the study area to quantify the annual soil loss, where such studies are not undertaken, by implementing Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model developed in ArcGIS version 10.4. Results: Digital Elevation Model (12.5 x 12.5), LANDSAT 8 of Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS), Annual Rainfall of 10 stations (2010-2019) and soil maps of the catchment were used as input parameters to generate the significant factors. Rainfall erosivity factor (R), soil erodibility factor (K), cover and management factor (C), slope length and steepness factor (LS) and support practice factor (P) were used as soil loss quantification significant factors. It was found that the quantified average annual soil loss ranges from 0.0 to 76.5 t ha-1 yr-1 was obtained in the catchment. The area coverage of soil erosion severity with 55%, 35% and 10% as low to moderate, high and very high respectively were identified. Conclusion: Finally, it was concluded that having information about the spatial variability of soil loss severity map generated in the RUSLE model has a paramount role to alert land resources managers and all stakeholders in controlling the effects via the implementation of both structural and non-structural mitigations. The results of the RUSLE model can also be further considered along with the catchment for practical soil loss quantification that can help for protection practices.

scholarly journals Agricultural Expansion in the Brazilian Cerrado: Increased Soil and Nutrient Losses and Decreased Agricultural Productivity

Land ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luciene Gomes ◽  
Silvio Simões ◽  
Eloi Dalla Nora ◽  
Eráclito de Sousa-Neto ◽  
Maria Forti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Loss ◽  
Loss Rate ◽  
Productivity Loss ◽  
Agricultural Productivity ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Nutrient Loss ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Agricultural Expansion ◽  
Brazilian Cerrado ◽  
Soil Loss Rate

While food and nutrition security are issues that national and international organizations are tackling, one of the central problems often overlooked is the essential role of soils in providing nutritious food. Soils are the base for food production and food security. However, the majority of soils are in fair and poor conditions, with the most significant threats being erosion and loss of nutrients. In this study, we estimate the potential of soil loss, agricultural productivity loss, and nutrient loss for Brazil’s most important agricultural region, the Brazilian Cerrado, for the years 2000 and 2012. For this, we applied the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model integrated with a geographical information system (GIS) to estimate annual soil loss rate and agricultural productivity loss, and used total nitrogen and total phosphorus in soil to estimate the annual nutrient loss rate caused by soil loss. All model factors and data were obtained from the literature. The results show that agricultural expansion in the Brazilian Cerrado is increasing the area of severe erosion, occasioning agricultural productivity decrease and soil nutrient depletion. The annual soil loss rate increased from 10.4 (2000) to 12.0 Mg ha−1 yr−1 (2012). Agricultural productivity loss occurred in more than 3 million hectares of crops and silviculture in 2000 and in more than 5.5 million hectares in 2012. Severely eroded areas lost between 13.1 and 25.9 times more nutrients than areas with low and moderate soil loss rates. These findings show that government policy should be directed to ensure the sustainable use of soils, mainly in agriculturally consolidated regions of the Brazilian Cerrado.

Application of Erosion 2D Model for Erosion Studies in Makurdi Metropolis of Benue State, Nigeria

2011 ◽  
Vol 367 ◽  
pp. 815-825 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.O. Isikwue ◽  
T.G. Amile
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Loss Rate ◽  
Physically Based Model ◽  
Cover Cropping ◽  
Physically Based ◽  
The City ◽  
Land Grading ◽  
2D Model ◽  
Soil Loss Rate

The equations of Erosion 2D Model (a physically based model) were transformed into a computer programme called EROSOFT and used to predict the rate of soil loss in Makurdi metropolis. The model has detachment, transport and deposition components. Four sites were chosen within the metropolis for this study. Soil samples were collected from the sites for laboratory analysis. Rainfall and runoff fluids were collected from the sites to determine their densities. Levelling instrument was used to detremine the channels slopes. The model predicted an average annual soil loss rate of 310kg m-2s-1 for the metropolis. The sensitivity analysis of the model indicates that straight slopes are more prone to soil erosion. The result of the model deviates slightly from established facts that, sandy soils are more erodible and hence prone to be easily detached. Nevertheless, the model shows that soil erosion is influenced by slope geometry and rainfall intensity. The study attributes the major causes of soil erosion in the city to urban runoff concentration and removal of vegetation, and therefore suggests the use of land grading, land forming and cover cropping as well as conservation structures like road side drains for the control of erosion in the metropolis.

scholarly journals A study on soil loss rate assessment of vegetation mat measures

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 21-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eun Jin Han ◽  
Yong Sung Park ◽  
Young Do Kim ◽  
Jae Hyeon Park
Keyword(s):  
Soil Loss ◽  
Loss Rate ◽  
Soil Loss Rate
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