Integrated use of Geospatial Technique and RUSLE Model for Soil Erosion Severity Areas Identification and Soil Loss Estimation for Selected Watershed of Bale Highland, Southeastern Ethiopia

Select Volume / Issue:

• Volume 12,Issue 3, May 2025

Year:

2025

Type of Publication:

Article

Keywords:

GIS, RUSLE, Soil Erosion, Sub-Watersheds

Authors:

Eshetu, Mulugeta; Ketema, Tesfaye; Gosa, Regassa; Getachew, Girma

Journal:

IJRAS

Volume:

12

Number:

3

Pages:

51-67

Month:

May

ISSN:

2348-3997

Abstract:

Soil erosion seriously threatened food security and agricultural sustainability, especially in Ethiopia's highlands, such as the Bale Highlands. The purpose of this study was to use the RUSLE model combined with GIS to estimate soil loss and identify zones of erosion severity in the watershed. Diverse methods and approaches were employed to generate model inputs, including slope length and steepness (LS), rainfall erosivity (R), soil erodibility (K), cover management (C), and conservation practices (P), which were derived from rainfall data, soil characteristi- -cs, digital elevation models (DEM), and land use land cove maps. Although 82.84% of the land experiences slight soil loss, nearly 17% faces moderate to severe degradation, particularly in WS9 and WS10, which demand urgent intervention. A priority-based, site-specific soil and water conservation strategy is essential for sustainable land productivity. Effective soil and water conservation must be prioritized in erosion-prone sub-watersheds WS9 and WS10, with WS5 requiring targeted monitoring and WS6-WS8 needing moderate interventions. Sub-watersheds WS1-WS4 remain stable but demand continued protective management. RUSLE-integrated geospatial analysis proves vital for prioritizing site-specific, evidence-based conservation planning and should be complemented by long-term erosion monitoring.

Full text: IJRAS_1182_FINAL.pdf [Bibtex]