Using GIS-Based RUSLE Model in Erosion Risk Assessment in Tekirdag Province

This study aimed at determining and mapping the erosion risk zones and average annual soil loss amount in Tekirdag province through Geographic Information Systems (GIS) based Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE). To this end, various materials collected from different sources were combined in accordance with the method content. The obtained results were checked in-situ via field surveys. It was concluded that there was a very soft (Risk 1) erosion risk in most of Tekirdag province (61.9 %). It was seen that erosion was intense mostly in the areas which had high slope values, which had a poor or destroyed ground cover, and where valley density was high and soil had a fine characteristic. Average annual soil loss in the province was found to be 5.26 t/ha(-1)/y(-1). This soil loss value was quite below the Turkey average (6.14 t/ha(-1)/y(-1)), thereby referring to a positive situation. In addition, it was determined that an increase occurred in very soft, soft, and very intense erosion risk classes while a decrease occurred in medium, strong, and intense erosion risk classes in the 32 year period (1981-2013). However, despite such positive findings, some measures should be taken across the province in order to minimize erosion. Erosion may acquire a characteristic similar to the one in the past and increase, if such measures are not taken. The present study also demonstrated that erosion risk might be determined via GIS-based RUSLE method.