Soil Erosion Modeling Using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation and a Geographic Information System in a Watershed in the Northeastern Brazilian Cerrado

Abstract

Soils have an important task in maintaining vegetation cover and natural resources on Earth and are indispensable to societies. However, the accelerated soil erosion has become an environmental problem related to land settlement for agricultural practices and forestry and is linked to population growth. This study aimed to evaluate soil erosion in a watershed downstream of Parnaíba river, northwest of Piauí state, in the Brazilian Cerrado using geotechnology products and tools in order to understand the soil loss and map the potential erosion and actual erosion through qualitative and quantitative results to support the management and planning of the watershed in an effective and efficient way. As a modeling tool, this research used the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE). The potential erosion ranged from very low to very high. The soil loss obtained by the integration of natural physical factors with land use (anthropic action) resulted in soil loss corresponding to the category slight (0–0.01 t.ha−1.year−1) to extremely high (>100 t.ha−1.year−1). The areas with the greatest soil loss were identified in land uses linked to pasture, exposed soil, and cultivated land. It was also possible to identify erosion features in the field, indicating the need to implement soil conservation practices.