Spatial estimation of soil erosion in Iran using RUSLE model

Soil erosion is one of the most important issues that human is facing now. The purpose of this research is to estimate the soil erosion in Iran using the RUSLE model and use of geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing data (RS). In the present study, after collecting and gathering various information including the digital elevation model (DEM) layers, Statistics on weather stations and rain gauges, satellite images and soil characteristics were used as research tools and Soil erosion was estimated using the RUSLE model. The average annual values of P, K, C, LS and R factors are 0.65, 0.04 (t h MJ-1 mm-1), 0.46, 3.6 and 195 (MJ mm ha-1 y-1 h- 1), respectively. The results of this study showed that the average annual soil erosion in Iran is about 24 tons per hectare per year. Also, the results of the study showed that about 4 billion tons from soil the country eroded and partial entered the system of water in the stream and the sea which reduces the quality, water pollution, reduces of soil fertility and reduces the amount of cultivated land and ultimately leads to soil degradation.