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Estimation of soil erosion through the RUSLE model. Case study: upper-middle basin of Mira River in Andean-Ecuador

Abstract:

Soil erosion is one of the leading environmental problems at a global level, which causes loss of soil fertility and an increase in the production of sediments. This study aims to quantify and understand the spatial distribution of water erosion over land cover in the upper-middle basin of the Mira River in Ecuador. The RUSLE model has been applied using remote sensing tools and GIS tools. The results show erosion varies between 0 and 812.30 t/ha/year, and the average erosion is 32.79 t/ha/year. The forest and paramo are the unique covers that present an average erosion lower than the sustainable threshold of erosion with values lower than 10 t/ha/year in the study area. On the other hand, areas without vegetation and crops have the highest propensity for high soil erosion rates. It shows that erosion within the study area is among the highest in the world. Consequently, decision-makers are recommended to seek alternatives for land use management in the watershed.