Application of USLE equation and GIS technology to set up soil erosion map for the area of central highland, Vietnam

Abstract

    Soil erosion is one of the soil resources degradation phenomena when the amount of soil on the surface isshifted due to the effects of wind, rain, flow, etc. The amount of eroded soil will move towards the lowerterrain (rivers, streams, reservoirs, etc). Therefore, the calculation of annual soil erosion is an importanttask in assessing the concentration of sediment which causes reservoir sedimentation, coming up withmeasures to minimize erosion and improve the efficiency of reservoir exploitation as well as measures toincrease the reservoir's longevity. This paper will introduce the method of applying Universal Soil LossEquation (USLE) and GIS technology to set up a soil erosion map in the Central Highlands, based onwhich assesses the probability of erosion on the basin surface and identify the amount of sediment transferto the reservoir. This is part of the results of a Ministry-level project on research on sedimentation ofmedium and large reservoirs in the Central Highlands and proposing solutions to minimize erosion,enhance the efficiency of reservoir exploitation and ensure reservoir safety.