Mudrykh N.M., Samofalova I.A., Chashchin A.N.

Forecasting soil erosional losses using the RUSLE model

Studies have been carried out to determine the potential soil washout in the conditions of the erosion-accumulative relief of the Preduraliya. The scope of the research is detailed and covers a field area of 11 hectares located in the Cherdynsky district of the Perm region. Research included field surveys and remote sensing methods. A global digital elevation model was used to assess the elevation. Since the value of the latitude of the terrain is N 60.4, the open model of the Japan Aerospace Agency JAXA - ALOS30 (spatial resolution 30 m) was chosen. The effect of water erosion on the vegetation cover was assessed through the vegetation index NDVI, calculated from a series of Sentinel images at different times. The assessment of the erosion hazard of the key site was carried out according to the model of the universal soil loss equation - RUSLE (Wishmeyer-Smith equation), developed in the USA. Under detailed scale conditions, 3 model variables are constant (R, C, P) and 2 have spatial heterogeneity (K, LS). The model is implemented in the QGIS raster calculator and reflects the spatial heterogeneity of the potential soil washout. Structural connections of soil, vegetation cover and relief have been established. The maximum potential washout according to the USLE equation is noted below the bend of the slope, in the contour of the soddy-calcareous soil

Keywords:RUSLE MODEL, DEM ALOS30, NDVI, SOIL EROSION, PERM REGION