Spatiotemporal analysis of soil erosion using the revised universal soil loss equation and GIS in the Buno Bedelle and Ilu Aba Bor Zones, southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Graph showing the necessary steps and overall methodology and the process of data analysis of the paper. The rural highlands of Ethiopia are highly vulnerable to soil erosion due to steep landscapes and heavy rainfall patterns. This study aimed to evaluate soil erosion over a 20-year period in the Buno Bedelle and Ilu Aba Bor Zones of southwestern Ethiopia. Landsat imagery, the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission Digital Elevation Model (SRTM DEM), soil data, and rainfall data from 25 weather stations were used to model annual soil loss and to identify soil erosion hotspots at the district level using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model. The results reveal that mean soil loss increased from 55.3 tons/ha/year in 2003 to 67.8 tons/ha/year in 2023, with a maximum observed rate of 986.4 tons/ha/year. This increased the extent of very severe soil erosion from 39.1 to 49.5% in the eastern and northern districts of Meko (105.7 tons/ha/year) and Dabo Hana (92.0 tons/ha/year). In addition, 15 high-risk districts were identified to be targeted for sustainable land management practices to protect vulnerable areas. The findings emphasize the need to implement effective land management strategies to reduce further soil degradation.