Soil Erosion Assessment Using Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation for Selective Dry Valleys In the Eastern Desert of Egypt

Abstract: Soil erosion is one of a major environmental concern. It may cause serious problems on the cultivated land areas. Obtaining spatial information of soil loss by water erosion is very important for evaluating soil potentiality in agricultural expansion. Soil loss is commonly predicted using the Universal W ater Loss Equation. In the current study, both Universal W ater Loss Equation (USLE) and Revised Universal Water Loss Equation (RUSLE) were used to predict soil loss of four selective dry valleys in three selected regions located in the eastern desert of Egypt. The regions were (El-Minia -Giza, Suhag -El-Minia, and Luxor-Suhag). These regions were exampled by four valleys (Sannur, Tarfa, Asyuit and Qena) which exposed to soil loss by surface runoff. Geographic Information System GIS capabilities have been utilized to produce a geometrically corrected physiographic map for these dry valleys. Twelve soil profiles were chosen in this research to represent the four dry valleys. Soil parameters, slope and climate values were serve as inputs into the Universal and the Revised soil loss equations to evaluate the present state and the risk of soil water erosion. The results demonstrated that the highest soil erosion rate was recorded in (Luxor-Suhag) region while the lowest erosion rate was recorded in (El-Minia -Giza) region. Soil erosion rates obtained by the (RUSLE) were approximately close to those obtained by the (USLE). Both equations are reliable tools for determination of the relative change in soil loss of the studied valleys

Assessment of land degradation and implications on agricultural land in Qalyubia Governorate, Egypt

Abstract Background Land degradation considers as a phenomena or more that decrease the current and/or the potential soil capability to produce goods. It signifies a regression from a higher to lower state, owing to descend in land capability, productivity, and decline of biodiversity. This study is an attempt to address the complexity of land degradation issue, particularly in the targeted farming irrigated fields, Qalyubia Governorate, Egypt. It aims to assess and observe degradation hazard through satellite image analyze, model trends of degradation, and generate a change detection hazard map for the investigated area. Results The maximum likelihood supervised classification tool and post classification change detection technique were implemented for monitoring changes in land qualities. Land degradation indicator data layers were summarized into the metrological data, ground truth, vegetation cover, and the applied land management practices. The Modified Global Assessment of Soil Degradation GLASOD model was adapted to model land degradation, specify its action in term of degradation degree, relative extent, severity level, and causative factors. Land degradation processes were evaluated in the delineated mapping units. The result indicated that the studied areas are considered as quite unstable in term of ecosystem due to active degradation resulting from aridity phenomena, soil properties, and improper farm management. Conclusion The most active land degradation processes are assessment of salinization, waterlogging, alkalization, and soil compaction