Erosion risk assessment for prioritization of conservation measures in Geleda watershed, Blue Nile basin, Ethiopia

Background Soil erosion is among the most challenging and continuous environmental problems in the highlands of Ethiopia. This study was conducted in the Geleda watershed of the Blue Nile basin in the northwestern highlands of Ethiopia to measure erosion rates and map out erosion risks for prioritization of conservation measures. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation model, which was adapted to the Ethiopian conditions, was used for this purpose. Results Soil losses ranged from 0 in plain areas to 237 t ha −1 year −1 in the steep slope areas of the watershed with an average soil loss of 23.7 t ha −1 year −1 . About 21.25% of the watershed area experienced soil losses above the tolerable limit of 11 t ha −1 year −1 . The total annual soil loss from the entire watershed area of 25,609 ha was about 157,022 tones. Conclusions In the steep slope areas of the watershed, where the extension of cultivated land resulted in high soil losses, soil erosion is a serious problem and requires appropriate intervention with soil conservation measures.