This study aims to estimate annual soil loss and map the spatial distribution of potential erosion risk in the Narlıdere watershed, located in the Kestel district of Bursa province, using a remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model. The model integrates five factors: precipitation erosivity (R), soil erodibility (K), topography (LS), vegetation cover (C), and support practices (P), analyzed through numerical data within a GIS environment. Based on 21 years of precipitation data (2000–2021) from the Kestel station, the average annual rainfall was calculated as 716.8 mm. The R factor ranged between 671.75 and 1014.89 MJ mm ha⁻¹ h⁻¹ year⁻¹. The K factor varied between 0.014 for Calcic Cambisols (BK) and 0.022 for Eutric Cambisols (BE). LS values ranged from 0 to 726.75, the C factor between 0 and 0.07, while the P factor was set at 1 due to the absence of soil conservation practices. Findings indicate that erosion risk in the watershed has increased over time, with its spatial extent expanding. Unregulated agricultural activities, which degrade natural vegetation, emerged as a key factor accelerating soil loss. The severity of erosion was particularly pronounced in steep and vegetation-free areas. These results highlight the urgent need to implement soil conservation measures in erosion-prone zones. Expanding erosion control interventions in the Narlıdere Watershed is crucial for promoting the sustainable management of soil and water resources.
저자
Ömer Faruk KARAN [ Forestry Faculty, Forestry Engineering Department, Bursa Technical University, Bursa, Türkiye ]
Corresponding Author
Esin ERDOĞAN YÜKSEL [ Forestry Faculty, Forestry Engineering Department, Bursa Technical University, Bursa, Türkiye ]
