Soil erosion prediction based on land use changes (a case in Neka watershed).

摘要

This study investigated the relationships between land use pattern, erosion and the sediment yield within and near a fast growing agricultural land in Neka River Basin in Iran. The land use coefficient (Xa) applied in the model of erosion potential method was used to forecast the effect of the land type to reduce the erosion. Land cover and land use change were projected for the next decade using topography, geology, land use maps and remote sensing data of the study area. Results indicated that the total sediment yield of the study area was significantly decreased to 89.24% after an appropriate land use/cover alteration. The estimated special erosion for the Southern Neka Basin is approximately 144 465.1 m3 km-2 whereas after management policy is predicted 15 542.9 m3 km-2 year-1. A very severe land cover change was recorded in the area as a result of agricultural land development. The changes in land cover led to the forest degradation. The relationship between land use changes and agricultural growth offered a more robust prediction of soil erosion in Neka watershed.