Soil Erosion Risk and Vulnerable Zone Identification Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques
摘要
The natural process of soil erosion occurs when the Earth’s surface soil is gradually worn down and carried by a variety of forces, including gravity, wind, water, and ice. Even while erosion is a natural occurrence, human activity and land use practices can cause it to occur more quickly, which poses a serious environmental risk. Soil erosion, in particular, is a serious environmental problem that can have far-reaching effects on the economy, ecology, and society. Therefore, identifying erosion-prone sites is an essential first step in adopting proper erosion mitigation and soil conservation strategies. This study set out to (i) analyze soil erosion vulnerability and model soil erosion vulnerability using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach. Ascertain the suitable remedial actions and long-term therapies to halt soil erosion in the study area. Rainfall, slope, ruggedness, NDVI, erodibility, vegetation cover, and land use/cover ratios are among the geo-environmental elements that contribute to soil erosion. These parameters were mapped out using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), along with their percentage weights. The soil erosion vulnerability model that was developed can be a helpful planning tool for ranking the areas that should be prioritized for soil conservation and erosion control techniques including sustainable agriculture and bioengineering interventions. The study highlights three key factors—slope steepness, ruggedness, and stream power index—that collectively contribute to 57.1% of soil erosion vulnerability. Steep slopes increase runoff, rugged terrain enhances sediment transport, and higher stream power indicates greater erosive potential. Understanding and managing these factors are crucial for mitigating erosion risks and preserving landscape health.