Estimation of potential soil erosion rate using RUSLE and E30 model

Abstract

This research established an empirical methodology to estimate potential soil erosion rate based on revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) and E30 model. The study was conducted on a highly precipitated, rugged, tropical forested with steep slope watershed during 1992 to 2009. The fourth (4th) largest river of Papua New Guinea, and its catchment area was considered for this research. Lots of commercial mining and logging activities are the ongoing processes in the upper catchment area without proper conservation measures. Digital elevation model (DEM), landsat satellite images, average annual rainfall, soil texture data base were used to derived mandatory input factors into the RUSLE and E30 model. Raster calculator of ArcGIS spatial analyst was used to generate all input factors and final pixel-by-pixel based computation of soil loss pattern. The average potential soil erosion rate were calculated in the range of 20.34 mm/year to 23.70 mm/year through RSULE model and in the other hand the rate varies from 21.07 mm/year to 26.78 mm/year through E30 model during 1992 to 2009 respectively. The erosion rate through both model indicates extremely severe rate of erosion in the upper catchment area are required immediate attention of soil conservation practices.