Using GIS-Based Models to Assess Soil Erosion Risk in Highland Agricultural Landscapes

Abstract

Soil erosion is a major environmental threat in mountainous agricultural systems. This study employed a GIS-based Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model to map erosion risk across 120 km² of cultivated highland terrain in Ethiopia. Factors included rainfall erosivity, soil type, slope, and land cover.
High-risk zones (erosion >40 t/ha/year) were associated with steep slopes and intensive tillage. Model validation using sediment yield data showed 82% accuracy. The study underscores the utility of geospatial tools in land management planning and recommends targeted conservation practices in erosion-prone areas.