Identification of Erosivity Potential on Tropical Zone Using Spatial Method

Abstract

As a geological process that wears away soil, rock, or dissolved material, erosion may result in the loss of soil layers that are rich in nutrients for plant growth and reducing soil ability to absorb and store water. High rainfall causes a high level of erosivity which can lead to the increase of erosion intensity. Therefore, in predicting erosion, rain condition needs to be considered the most, especially for the tropics. This study was conducted in Samboja District, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. The purpose of this study is to create zoning potential for erosion based on topographic correlation with land cover and support practices factors spatially in a map form. The uniform distribution of soil types allows the integration of the erodibility factor together with the erosivity factor. Several erosion equations suitable for tropical areas were used to estimate the erosion, using the BMKG rainfall data for the last 16 years (2006-2020). The results of the study are maps of erosion potential distribution at minimum, maximum, and average conditions. The change in the distribution of potential erosion from the minimum to the average occurred only at very limited points, and it was almost negligible. A significant change was found under condition of maximum erosion potential. The striking change in the zone of potential erosion under condition of the average to the maximum potential for erosion occurred in the zone from Class III to Class IV, and Class IV to Class V.