USLE model to estimate water erosion in seven municipalities of the colombian andean zone
Hydric erosion in the Andean region of Colombia is characterized for its high intensity rains, and soils susceptible to wearing down due to steep slopes. Same way, poor practices in the use of land had increase environmental conflicts over viability of fertile areas as well as for ecosystems preservation. Considering projects of regional planning in Department of Cauca, it was necessary to know the magnitude of such erosion processes and its potential ground losses. It was then, programed the study of risks in seven municipalities from the Andean region in Cauca: Almaguer, Bolívar; Cajibío, Mercaderes; Popayán, Puracé, and Santander de Quilichao. It was planned then, a USLE model (Universal Soil Loss Equation) calculating its factors (A, R, K, LS, C, P). Thanks to Global Information Systems (GIS) primary information was recollected on field work and also through previous official reports and documentations. I was found that hydric erosion is mainly due because of 1500 mm precipitation causing annual losses of 973 ton/ha, amount that is substantially high over land’s natural system recovery capacity. Findings provide considerable knowledge for afterward land planning and soil management in Andean Regions in Colombia. This research locates the most vulnerable areas to water erosion, essential to carry out implementation strategies for soil use and management such as; planting of crops with contour lines, management of noble covers, planting of live barriers, silvopastoral systems, application of humus, selective control of weeds, reduction of the use of hoe and agricultural machinery on steep slopes and the widespread use of herbicides, practices that will be able to improve the quality of water bodies and prevent the decrease in soil fertility.
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Digital revista |
| Language: | spa |
| Published: |
Universidad del Cauca -Facultad de ciencias Agrarias
2022
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| Online Access: | https://revistas.unicauca.edu.co/index.php/biotecnologia/article/view/1738 |
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