Evaluating soil erosion by GIS and universal soil loss equation in Kon Tum province

Abstract

Kon Tum, a mountainous province in central highland of Vietnam, is characterized by diversified and complex terrain. The change of land use/land cover in recent years has caused the phenomenon of soil erosion phenomenon. With the support of GIS technology, this research uses USLE model to evaluate potential soil erosion in Kon Tum area, including some factors: Rain fall (R), K factor map (K), Length Slope factor map (LS), Land cover (C) and cultivatural method map (P). The results make it possible to determine the level and location of soil erosion areas. Therefore, it can help decision-makers to make the best plans to reduce soil erosion. The research proves that the mountainous province Kon Tum has characteristics of highland climate with the annual average rainfall than 1.800m and thus, is potentially facing with strong and very strong erosion concentrating mainly at some highland districts.