Priority Areas Mapping for Controlling Soil Erosion in Danjiangkou Reservoir Area

Abstract

Danjiangkou reservoir area is the main water source area and submerged area of the Middle Route South-to-North Water Transfer Project of China. Soil erosion is a significant influence factor in reservoir water quality and water transfer project success. The objective of this paper is to assess the soil erosion risk and mapping priority areas for controlling soil erosion of Danjiangkou reservoir area. The results indicated that the top three conservation priority levels cover almost all regions with severe erosion and prominent increase in erosion risk, with a total acreage of 3,531.543km2, accounting for 19.703% of the study area. These three levels to be managed as erosion control regions with appropriate conservation strategies in future projects. The study results will provide guidance in developing and implementing water conservation planning and to assist government agencies in decision-making for determining erosion control area, starting regulation project and making soil conservation measures.