Assessment of Soil Loss from Land Cover Changes in the Nan River Basin, Thailand

Abstract

This study investigates soil loss erosion dynamics in the Nan River Basin, Thailand, focusing on the impact of land cover changes. Utilizing the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) model, key factors, including rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, topography, and land cover, are analyzed for the years 2001 to 2019. The findings reveal a substantial increase in human-induced soil erosion, emphasizing the pressing need for effective mitigation measures. Severity classification demonstrates shifting patterns, prompting targeted conservation strategies. The examination of land cover changes indicates significant alterations in the satellite image (MODIS), particularly an increase in Deciduous forest (~13.21%), Agriculture (~0.18%), and Paddy (~0.43%), and decrease in Evergreen Forest (~13.73%) and Water (~0.12%) cover types. Deciduous forest and Agriculture, associated with the highest soil loss rates, underscore the environmental consequences of specific land use practices. Notably, the increase in Deciduous forest and Agriculture significantly contributes to changes in soil loss rates, revealing the interconnectedness of land cover changes and soil erosion in ~18.05% and ~8.67%, respectively. This study contributes valuable insights for informed land management decisions and lays a foundation for future research in soil erosion dynamics. Additionally, the percentage increase in Agriculture corresponds to a notable rise in soil loss rates, underscoring the urgency for sustainable land use practices.