Modeling of soil erosion from rains and wind using remote sensing and geographic information system

Soil erosion is a growing problem especially in areas of agricultural activity where soil erosion not only leads to decreased agricultural productivity but also reduces water availability. Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) is the most popular empirically based model used globally for erosion prediction and control. Remote sensing and GIS techniques have become valuable tools, especially when assessing erosion at larger scales due to the amount of data needed and the greater area coverage. The present study area is a part of the Thracian region with undulating topography, with a risk of soil erosion. In the present study, an attempt has been made to assess the annual soil loss caused by water and wind in the province of Kırklareli using RUSLE in GIS framework. Such information can be of immense help in identifying priority areas for the implementation of erosion control measures. The soil erosion rate was determined as a function of land topography, soil texture, land use/land cover, rainfall erosivity, and crop management, and practice in the province using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (for Kırklareli), remote sensing and GIS techniques. The rainfall erosivity R-factor of RUSLE was found from 40,48-375,00 and the soil erodibility K-factor varied from 0,00 - 0,40. Elevations in the province varied between 10 and 1031 m having LS factor values ranging from 0 – 17,34. The C factor was found using the CORINE 2018 data. The P-value was computed from existing cropping patterns in the province. The annual soil loss estimated in the province using RUSLE is 10,0 ton/ha/yr.