Estimation of water erosion rates using RUSLE3D in Alicante province (Spain)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was the estimation of current and potential water erosion rates in Alicante Province using RUSLE3D (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation-3D) model with Geographical Information System (GIS) support by request from the Valencia Waste Energy Use. RUSLE3D uses a new methodology for topographic factor estimation (LS factor) based on the impact of flow convergence allowing better assessment of sediment distribution detached by water erosion. In RUSLE3D equation, the effect that vegetation cover has on soil erosion rate is reflected by the C factor. Potential erosion indicates soil erosion rate without considering C factor in RUSLE3D equation. The results showed that 70% of estimated current erosion does not exceed 10 Mg ha-1 y-1 (low erosion). In the case of potential erosion rates, 16% of the area of Alicante Province does not exceed 10 Mg ha-1 y-1 but 33% exceed 200 Mg ha-1 y-1. Based on these results, the current vegetation cover of Alicante Province is adequate but needs to be conserved to avoid an increase in the current soil erosion rates as shown by potential erosion rates.