Estimating the extent of soil degradation of Weito Watershed in lower Rift Valley Basin: Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

In this study, Revised Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) was used to quantify the potential soil erosion in Weito Watershed. Rainfall data, soil data, DEM data and landuse-land cover data were used as input data sets to generate RUSLE factor values. RUSLE factors such as R_ the erosivity factor, K_the soil erodibility factor, LS_ thetopographic factor, C_ the crop management factor, and P_ the conservation support practice was analyzed and superimposed using raster calculator in ArcGIS10.1 to estimate and map the annual soil loss. The results showed annual soil loss ranging from 0 to 210 tons/ha and mean annual soil loss rate of 110ton/ha/yr. The annual soil loss rate in the western and south western part of the watershed was mainly identified as high and severe and hence, requires special attention with an immediate soil conservation practice.