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JOURNAL OF WATERSHED PROBLEM

REVIEW
JOURNAL INFORMATION
1. Journal Title
:
Spatial Estimation of Soil Erosion Risk Using RUSLE Approach, RS, and GIS Techniques : A
Case Study of Kufranja Watershed, Nothern Jordan.
2. Authors Information
:
Yahya Farhan
Dalal Zregat
Ibrahim Farhan
Departement of Geography, Faculty of Arts, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
Email : yahyafarhan2100@outlook.com
3. Publication Information
:
Published on Journal of Water Resource and Protection, 2013, 5, 1247-1261
http://www.scirp.org/journal/jwarp
4. Keywords
:
Jordan, soil Erosion, Risk Mapping, Severity, RUSLE, Wadi Kufranja

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JOURNAL RESUME :
1. Introduction
Intense human growth affect in pressure of land. This condition lead an area be suffering from
serious soil erosion. Erosion had bad impact in environmental such as declining soil productivity,
land degradation and sediment problems. In Jordan, high amount of erosion occured and eroded
materials are deposit over wadi floors and agricultural lands, irrigation canals, and intensly in
reservoir. Clearing sedimentation take long time and high cost. Conservation, management and
agricultural reorganization needed for reduce potential of erosion. For doing that, needed an
estimation of soil risk including the potential soil loss, severity maps and critical soil erosions area
identification.
Previous study using USLE formula in central Jordan shows that average soil erosion losses
in Jordan estimated about 78 ton/ha/year and 5-25 ton/ha/year in north side. This study try estimate
soil erosion risk in Northern Jordan used Revized Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) formula
combined with GIS and Remote Sensing Technologies.
2. Study Area
Wadi Kufranja is a 126.3 km2 watershed area located at northern highland of Jordan.
Astronomically, Wadi Kufranja state at 3214N to 3222N and 3521 E to 3547 E. Characteristic
of Wadi Kufranja at upper part consists of maturely dissected terrain, with broad valley forms and
smooth interfluves with dry mediteranian climate. In the middle and lower parts, rejuvenation
resulted in a narrow, in- cised, steepsided gorge with semi arid to arid climate. Forest and cropland
stress occured due to overgrazing activity and charchoal-wood needs. Land are bare so when there
are rainfall, soil displaced easily (splash erosion). This condition led into serious widespread soil
erosion in Wadi Kufranja.
3. Material and Methods
Soil Loss Estimation Method
So far, USLE model widely used to estimate soil erosion risk. The requirements of the model,
in terms of intensive data and computation, reinforce the elaboration of more accurate and less
demanding ones. Method use in this study was USLE improved version of USLE, or RUSLE.
Revized Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) has same fundamental and principal as USLE but
adding new term values, corrections, factor algorithms, slope morphology, and elaborated
approaches for calculating the parameters of the model to acomodate each parameter in erosion
estimation. RUSLE model is normally executed in conjunc tion with a raster-based GIS, to predict
erosion potential on a cell by cell basis.
The RUSLE model was developed as an equation rep- resenting the main factors controlling
soil erosion, name- ly climate, soil characteristics, topography, and land co- ver management. The
equation is expressed as:
A=R.K.L.S.C.P
Where :
A
= Computed annual soil loss per unit area [ton/ha/year].
R
= Runoff erosivity factor (rainfall and snowmelt) in [MJ.mm/ha/hr/year].
K
= Soil erodibility factor (soil loss per erosion index unit for a specified soil measured on a
standard plot, 22.1 m long, with uniform 9% (5.16) slope, in continuous tilled fallow)
[ton.ha.hr/ha/MJ/mm].
L
= Slope length factor (ratio of soil loss from the field slope length to soil loss from standard
22.1 m slope under identical conditions) (dimensionless).
S
= Slope steepness factor (ratio of soil loss from the field slope to that from the standard
slope under identical conditions) (dimensionless).
C
= Cover management factor (ratio of soil loss from a specified area with specified cover
and management to that from the same area in tilled continuous fallow) (dimensionless).

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= Support practice factor (ratio of soil loss with a support practice contour tillage, stripcropping, terracing to soil loss with row tillage parallel to the slope (dimensionless).
Data and Tools
GIS 10.1 and ERDAS Imagine 8.5 used to compute annual loss rates and severity based on
RUSLE. Landsat ETM+ image and Google Earth Pro used to obtain land cover data and NDVI to
determine the C factor.
4. Calculation of RUSLE Factors
a. Rainfall Erosivity (R)
Rainfall erosivity is energy of raindrop's impact and the rate of associated runoff. The Rfactor is a multi-annual average index that measures rainfall's energy and intensity to describe
the effect of rainfall on sheet and rill erosion. 30 year data period used for computing R-factor,
with equation expressed as :
R = 23.61 xe(0,0048p), with p is the mean actual precipitation.
IDW (Inverse Distance Weighted) used as interpolation tool of R factor between each points of
weather stations.
b. Soil Erodibility Factor (K)
The soil erodibility factor (K-factor) is a quantitative description of the inherent erodibility of
a particular soil; it is a measure of the susceptibility of soil particles to detachment and transport
by rainfall and runoff. The factor was computed using the following equation:
K = 27.66m1.14 x 108 x (12-a) + 0.0043 x (b-2) + 0.00333 x (c-3)
where:
K
= Soil erodibility factor (ton/hr/haMJmm).
m
= (Sil t% + Sand %) (100 clay %).
a
= % organic matter.
b
= structure code: 1) very structured or particulate, 2) fairly structured, 3) slightly
structured, and 4) solid.
c
= profile permeability code: 1) rapid, 2) moderated to rapid, 3) moderate, 4) moderate to
slow, 5) slow, 6) very slow.
Soil types in study area identified from National Soil Map and Land Use Project. IDW was
used for generate map of sample analyzed.
c. Slope Length and Steepness Factor (LS)
The (LS) factor expresses the effect of local topography on soil erosion rate, combining
effects of slope length (L) and slope steepness (S). The Digital Elevation Model (DEM) with a
resolu- tion of 30 m was used to calculate L and S parameters. The following equation was
adopted to compute the LS factor :
LS(r)
= (m+1+[A(r)/a0]m x [sin b(r)/c0]n
With A(r) = upslope contributing area per unit contour width; b(r) is = slope; m = 0.6; n =
1.3 are parameters, ao = 22.1 m = 72.6 ft is the length; b = 0.09 = 9% = 5.16 degree is the
slope of the standard USLE plot.
d. Crop Management Factor (C)
C is a relation between erosion on bare soil and erosion observed under a cropping system.
Cropping and management practice effect expressed in C. C mapping taken by computing
NDVI values from LANDSAT image. The relationship between C and NDVI was determined
as C = (0.7388 NDVI + 0.4948), where the C value in each land cell can be specified.
e. Conservation Practice Factor
Conservation practice factor (P) in the RUSLE model expresses the effect of conservation
practices that reduce the amount and rate of water runoff, which reduce ero- sion. It is the ratio

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of soil loss with a specific support practice on croplands to the corresponding loss with slopeparallel tillage. P factor mapping derived from land cover map by reclassify the land cover and
slope length according to P value.
5. Result and Discussion
ArcGIS spatial analyst used for integrating raster calculation of K, LS, R, C and P extracted
data in purpose of quantity, evaluate and generate soil erosion and severity map of Wadi Kufranja.

Rainfall erositivity factor (R) for five weather stations was found to be in the range of 85.5
and 487 MJmm/ha/hr/year. The distribution of R values assumed to be varied and consistent with
annual precipitation across the watershed. K values for the entire catchment shows a maximum
value of 0.063 tonha/hr/MJ/mm in the middle and upper catchment, especially where vertisols and
typic xerochrepts soils are dominant, and were landslide compexes characterized the lay marly and
the marly limestone units exist and minimum K values is of 0.048 tonha/hr/MJ/mm in the lower
catchment and associated with soils materials constituting the infill wadis/tributaries. The LS
factor values in the watershed vary from low (0.0) to high (405.0). C factor show values between
0.01and 0.2 . The highest (poor land cover management) almost coincide with the lowest NDVI
values, (0.22 - .05). P factor ranges from 0.19 to 1.0, the higher values in areas east of Krayma
with no conservation practices (forest, natural vegetation), and other major settlements in the
catchment. P values decrease towards the upper catchment, where in flat land units slope length

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decreases. Average annual soil loss of 10 ton/ha/year was estimated for the whole catchment, and
the final soil loss map compiled using the RUSLE model indicates a minimum of 0.0 to a
maximum of 1865 ton/ha/year.
Higher A value indicates higher rate of sediment yield. Wadi Kufranja was classified into five soil
erosion risk categories. Erosion risk and severity increase from upper to lower area.

Highest soil loss values are clearly correlated with slope steepness. The upper and lower
reaches of the wadi is dominated by moderate and steep slope categories: 10 - 15, 15 - 20 and
20 - 30. second slope category comprises more than 75% of the area of the upper reaches.
Slopes greater than 20 - 30 and more create a distinctive pattern and are restricted to steep wadi
side slopes.

Present investigation result are comparable with other similiar research in Jordan. This result
also consistent with those obtained from other Mediterranean watersheds of similar envionmental
characteristics investigated elsewhere using the RUSLE model. Soil erosion rates across Wadi
Kufranja changes due to land cover/land use changes and climatic change.
RUSLE parameters like C, P, and LS can be modified for soil erosion reduction. Control
structures like check dam also useful for gully erosion reduction. Crop management and suitable
foresting system may give more benefit in erosion management. The results of soil erosion risk,
severity, and land use/cover-type can assist decision makers in identification of priority areas in
urgent need of conservation and land management plans.
6. Conclusion
RUSLE calculation result of Wadi Kufranja basin shows the severity of soil ero- sion. The
mean soil loss estimated for the watershed was 10 ton/ha/year, with the five erosion risk classes,
ranging from 0.0 to 1865 tonha1year1. Areas of 53.1723 km2 (5317.23 hectares) and 39.4056
km2 (3940.56 hectares) were classed as suffering moderate or very severe soil erosion.
From this research and comparing with other similiar research, Wadi Kufranja catchment, and
other similar areas in northern and central Jordan should therefore be prioritized for conservation.
High soil erosion rates in the middle and lower reaches of the catchment. Continuous human
disturbance and deforestation, with the combined effect of K, LS, and C factors, result in high soil
erosion loss across the study area. GIS and RS techniques are simple and low cost tools for
modeling soil erosion, with the pur pose of assessing erosion potential and risk for the watersheds
of northern Jordan.
Intan Madya Ratna Master DD Program of Civil Engineering
WATER RESOURCES ENGINEERING

JOURNAL REVIEW :
This study trying to analyze and mapping soil erosion risk and severity using RUSLE method
integrated with GIS application and Remote Sensing data. Due to its disadvantages, soil erosion risk
and severity must be analyzed to obtain information on amount of potential soil erosion loss and its
severity and area which needed appropriate conservation. Result of this study can be used as decision
making of conservation plan or can be a representative example for other similiar watershed problem.
The use of RUSLE method has several advantages, such as easy implementation and understandable,
compatible with GIS system, and simple data parameter required.
Use of satellite observations (Remote Sensing Data) and GIS have an advantage of acquiring
and processing data for large and hard-to-reach territories. RS data make us easier for obtain
information for further calculation. For example in C factor analysis, NDVI data derived from RS data
use to determine C values then GIS have role in classify landcover based on thus C value. This way
more easier and accurate than calculate it manually by C table for varies landuse.
In-situ measurements are often used for calibration and validation of modelling and remote
sensing data, and usually assimilated into models.
It shows in this study that soil loss estimated for the watershed was 10 ton/ha/year, with the
five erosion risk classes, ranging from 0.0 to 1865 tonha1year1. Areas of 53.1723 km 2 (5317.23
hectares) and 39.4056 km2 (3940.56 hectares) were classed as suffering moderate or very severe soil
erosion. Similiar result between this analysis compared with other erosion analysis in other similiar
characteristic area in Jordan indicates accuracy of this research.
More data series, continuity of fields survey and other predicting method can support
accuracy of this study. Generally, erosion problems ocured either because of topographics problems,
and also due to high expansion for crop land and residential without proper conservation. RUSLE
parameters (R, L, K, S, C, P) can be modified by human activity to decrease soil risk potential in
watershed area.

Watershed Health Assessment / Performance Evaluation.


Information obtained from this paper can be used as guide for watershed performance
evaluation. This evaluation important to decided what conservation and management needed for that
watershed. Watershed performance can be evaluated by measuring land cover index, land
management index, sedimentation, water management index, erosion risk index, water quality, etc.
Eventhough watershed health assessed by many factor, in this case, due to data and
information limitation, erosion risk index and land management used as only parameter for evaluate
watershed health and performance based on land condition criteria. Watershed health in this review
assessed based on Ministrial Decree of Forestry of Indonesia, stated as follows :
Erosion Risk Index (IE)

Erosion Risk Index (IE)

Potential Erosion
Tolerated Erosion
=

10
7

= 1,42

(note : 7 is tolerated erosion value for dominant forest and crop landuse based on Ministrial Decree of
Forestry of Indonesia. This condition similiar with Wadi Kufranja condition)
Erosion risk classification criteria divided into :
IE< 0,5 = Very Low
0,5 < IE 1,0 = Low
1,0 < IE 1,5 = Moderate

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1,5 < IE 2,0 = High


IE> 2,0 = Very High
From calculation above, shows that based on erosion rate Wadi Kufranja belongs to Moderate
Level erosion conditions. Land management indicator also can indicate healthiness of watershed.
Land management factor assesed by calculating C factor and P factor. Showed as result of this study,
highest C factor values was 0,2 with P factor values 1,0.
Land Management Factor
= C x P = 0,2 x 1,0 = 0,2
Land management classification criteria divided into :
CP 0,10 = Very Low
0,10 < CP 0,30 = Low
0,30 < CP 0,50 = Moderate
0,50 < CP 0,7 = High
CP > 0,7 = Very High
The result shows that Wadi Kufranja Watershed belongs to Low Risk level of watershed. It
can be conclude that based on criteria of land condition, Wadi Kufranja watershed are in moderate
level of performance. For better result of watershed health assessment of Wadi Kufranja, other
indicator must be analyzed.

Watershed Recovery Attempt.


Recovery activity project arranged based on scoring of watershed health performance. Based
on soil erosion risk map, we can determine conservation activity necessary for certain area such as
which area need forest proteection, and which need land conservation, water treatment, structural
control like dam or sabo, river normalization, etc. Those recovery and conservation activity
implemented based on risk level of each area.
Land use management plan also can be determine by soil erosion risk and severity map from
this study. Land use management purpose is to decrease erosion rate of watershed. RUSLE parameters
especially C and P factor used to erosion control modelling. CP value can be modified vegetative and
mechanically. Identification of soil erosion map provide information indicator that produce high level
of erosion such as land steepness, soil solum, slope, etc. From that information, conservation activity
can be planned. As example, for area with 15% slope and moderate erosion needs forestation,
terarcing, etc. Other condition will need different conservation. Unfortunately in this paper, each
result of RLKSCP calculation not shown so we cant arrange any recovery and conservation project
for Wadi Kufranja watershed.
Good quality of conservation and recovery activity implemented in a watershed, healthiness
of the watershed increase so watershed can be in well-performing condition. In this condition,
problems such as sedimentation, landslide, water scarcity and many other problems can be solved.

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