WebGIS-based decision support system for soil erosion assessment in Legedadi watershed, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Soil erosion is one of the major environmental issues in Ethiopia. In highlands, though the topography is rugged; settlements have increased in recent years even if cultivation is generally practiced on steep landforms. Deforestation and anthropogenic activities have resulted in excessive soil erosion. In this study, a webGIS-based decision support system (DSS) was developed to provide complete information on soil erosion. The parameters employed were estimated using remote sensing data. Prioritization of micro-watersheds was done on the basis of soil erosion risk through GIS. Very high soil loss of 69.9 t. ha−1.yr−1 to 138.4 t. ha−1.yr−1 was noticed in four micro-watersheds while the same was medium (59.9−69.9 t. ha−1.yr−1 in another micro-watershed. About 69.8% of the total micro-watershed area showed a soil loss of 0.53−18 t. ha−1.yr−1 though average soil loss in each land parcel was 25.82 t. ha−1.yr−1. Thus, this webGIS helps non-technical users to access information and understand soil conservation program to find soil erosion reduction measures in the study area. Moreover, the information also assists various natural resource-based applications to identification the jeopardized areas so that required conservation measures could be initiated.