Soil erosion potential zoning in Aseman Abad Watershed by Erosion Index

Nowadays، soil erosion is one of the main problems in catchment areas in the agriculture and natural resources point of view، in which destroy the lands and reduces the soil productivity. Soil erosion potential of Aseman Abad plain، Ilam province is determined using Erosion Index in geographic information system in this research. In this study، after data collection، the maps of slope، lithology and land use of the area were prepared. Each map subdivided to seven classes based on their amount and effect on erosion. By combining these maps and considering erosion index، the erosion potential priority map was prepared. Finally، using curve number model، the runoff potential map of the basin was prepared and by combining this map with the erosion potential priority map، the erosion potential map of the basin was obtained. Results showed that more than 52 percent of the basin، having 6019 hectares area، has high erosion potential. These areas are composed of quaternary deposits، terraces and young alluviums which are susceptible to erosion and located near to the exit of the basin. These areas have the first priority protection programs for erosion control.