EROSION MAPPING
Erosion Mapping: Understanding Highly Erodible Areas
Each catchment in the Tukituki has been mapped using LiDAR technology, with the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) applied to assess soil erosion risk.
How RUSLE Works
RUSLE estimates annual soil loss by considering key environmental and management factors:
A = R • K • LS • C • P
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A (Annual Soil Loss): Estimated in tonnes per hectare per year
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R (Rainfall Erosivity): Measures the impact of rainfall intensity and duration on erosion
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K (Soil Erodibility): Indicates how easily soil particles detach and move
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LS (Topographic Factor): Considers slope length and steepness
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C (Cover and Management): Reflects vegetation’s role in preventing soil loss
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P (Erosion Control Practices): Accounts for conservation methods like contour plowing and terracing
While RUSLE is a valuable tool for understanding soil loss through surface erosion (sheet and rill erosion), it does not account for gully erosion.
Identifying High-Risk Areas
This model helps landowners and catchment groups identify high-risk erosion areas where soil loss is most likely to occur. By pinpointing these areas, efforts can be prioritized to implement soil conservation measures effectively.
RUSLE - REVISED UNIVERSAL SOIL LOSS EQUATION - MANGAMAHAKI
Accessing Erosion Mapping Data
TLC provides KML files that can be used in GIS or Google Earth to visualize erosion risk zones. These tools help landowners better understand their landscape, assess erosion potential, and plan targeted soil conservation actions.
Contact your catchment coordinator to learn more about accessing and applying this information. To find out who your TLC catchment coordinator is, visit your catchment page.