Integration of GIS with USLE in assessment of soil erosion

A Geographic Information System (GIS) has been integrated with the USLE (Universal Soil Loss Equation) model in identification of rainfall-based erosion and the transport of nonpoint source pollution loads to the Gediz River, which discharges into the Aegean Sea along the western coast of Turkey. The purpose of the study is to identify the gross erosion, sediment loads, and organic N loads within a small region of the Gediz River basin. Similar studies are available in literature, ranging from those that use a simple model such as USLE to others of a more sophisticated nature. The study presented here reflects the difficulties in applying the methodology when the required data on soil properties, land use and vegetation are deficient in both quantity and quality, as the case is with most developing countries.