Soil erosion estimation in lower Asi river catchment using GIS

Abstract

Different methods are used to calculate the amount of erosion. Assessment of erosion factors through the use of spatial data integration is the most common method. Generally, RUSLE (3D) erosion model is preferred in the implementation of this method. Current study identified the erosion risk levels and distribution along with annual soil loss according to RUSLE (3D) erosion model in Lower Asi River Basin sample. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) methods and techniques were used in implementing the RUSLE model. Results of analysis show that the basin area experiences low (< - 5 t ha(-1) y(-1)) levels of erosion the most (1787.40 km(2) - 41.40 %) and very severe (150 - > t ha(-1) y(-1)) levels of erosion the least (154.75 km(2) - 3.58 %). Areas with high levels of erosion are the slope areas with high declivity. Total annual soil loss in the basin area was calculated to be 50.66 t ha(-1) y(-1) and average annual soil loss in the basin area was calculated to be 10.74 t ha(-1) y(-1). These values are lower than those of neighboring (Seyhan River) basin. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.