Evaluation of erosion susceptibility of the Watershed of Tatlıçay (Çankırı)

In this study, by using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) along with Geographic InformationSystems (GIS) and geo-statistical methods, a soil erosion map of Tatlıçay Watershed was obtained.Finally, by the estimation of the rainfall-runoff erosivity factor, soilerodibility factor, slope length and steepness factor and cover management factor ofUSLE/RUSLE technology, the average amount of soil (ton ha-1 year-1) to be likelytransported by water erosion into the catchment of Tatlıçay Watershed wascalculated. The research determined that an annual average rainfall of 410 mm, particularly during intense rainfall events, exacerbates soil erosion with an annual R factor of 35 MJ mm ha⁻¹ h⁻¹. Steep slopes increase the LS factor, ranging from 0 to 25, making certain areas more vulnerable. The region's diverse soil types influence erosion susceptibility with an average K factor of 0.034. Dense vegetation reduces erosion risk by lowering the C factor to 0.01, while unmanaged areas can see the C factor rise to 1, making them more susceptible to erosion. The integration of R, K, LS, C, and P factors reveals an annual soil loss of 39.60 tons ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ on average across the basin. The analysis found that 92% of the basin experiences very light erosion, 7% light, 0.18% moderate, 0.02% severe, and 0.003% very severe erosion. The data indicate the basin's sensitivity to water erosion.