Geospatial soil loss risk assessment using RUSLE model: a study of Panjkora River Basin, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Soil erosion and consequent sedimentation are natural processes that are enhanced by human activities. Soil erosion and related land degradation are major issues, particularly in subtropical monsoon-dominated parts of the world. Soil erosion not only endangers soil fertility and food availability but also harms aquatic ecosystems and water supplies. The purpose of this research is to quantify and map the yearly soil loss in the Panjkora river basin, Pakistan. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model is used in the geospatial environment to achieve the study objectives. The results reveal that the Panjkora basin is moderate to highly susceptible to soil erosion. The estimated annual soil loss from the basin is 5.94 million tons or 10.25 tons per hectare/year. Though the high and very high soil erosion is experienced only in 2.18% of the overall study area, is responsible for 78.52% of the entire soil loss from the Panjkora basin. The study suggests that the K factor (soil type), R factor (rainfall intensity), and LS factor (topography) have the most significant impact on soil erosion in the study area. This study emphasizes the need for proper land and water resource management with viable rehabilitation measures. The soil risk map aids in identifying soil erosion hotspots where efforts should be concentrated to prevent future soil loss. Terraced agricultural and arboriculture methods should be implemented in the Panjkora river basin to prevent additional soil loss.