Quantification of Water Erosion Using the Rusle Model and the S.I.G Geographic Information System Case Study of the Oued Taria Sub-Catchment; Algeria

Abstract

Water erosion is the first cause of soil degradation, it represents a multidimensional natural risk and an environmental challenge for the ecosystem.

The aim of our study is to determine and map the areas at risk of soil erosion using a GIS/USLE approach at the scale of the Oued Taria catchment (western Algeria).

 The latter is a multiplication of five erosion factors, namely rainfall erosion, soil erodibility, slope inclination and length, plant cover and anti-erosion practices. Each of these factors was expressed in the form of a thematic map.

Combining the different maps of these parameters highlighted the erosive impact of each factor, making it possible to define with greater precision the most sensitive areas at risk of erosion.

The results are presented in the form of a map identifying and locating the areas at greatest risk of erosion. It emerges that the phenomenon of erosion affects the whole of the Oued Taria catchment area and varies from 0 to over 100 t/ha/year.

The result is a document that can be used as a decision-making tool for the management and protection of natural resources.