Spatial Quantification of Soil Erosion Using Rusle Approach: A Study of Eastern Hindu Kush, Pakistan

Abstract

Globally, soil erosion is a severe environmental issue, particularly in mountainous regions, leading to substantial declines in soil productivity. This study aims to quantify soil loss in Eastern Hindu Kush region using Revised Universal Soil Erosion Loss Equation (RUSLE) approach integrated with Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS). The study considers various factors including rainfall, soil erodibility, topography, slope, and land use to model annual soil loss rates. Rainfall erosivity (R), slope length and steepness (LS), soil erodibility (K), cover management (C), and conservation practice (P) were utilized as input parameters. These parameters are integrated to estimate soil erosion risk zones through raster-based GIS analysis, categorizing soil loss severity into five classes. The results show soil loss rates ranging from > 50 to over 276 tons/ha/year, indicating varying levels of severity. The distribution of soil loss severity is as follows: 37% of the area falls under insignificant, 16% under slight, 22% under moderate, 11% under severe, 6% under very severe, and 8% under catastrophic severity zones. Notably, valley areas with steep slopes and significant relief display higher erosion rates. The intricate and challenging terrain of the Eastern Hindu Kush makes it particularly susceptible to soil erosion risks.