Mapping Soil Erosion Potential in Algeria’s Wadi Mina Basin: Insights from Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation and Geographic Information System for Sustainable Land Management

In this paper, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model has been employed as a critical analytical instrument to assess the likelihood of soil erosion and pinpoint the most appropriate locations for conservation initiatives in the Wadi Mina basin (Algeria). The compilation of thematic maps was accomplished through the integration of the Spatial Analyst module in ArcGIS, resulting in a comprehensive map depicting potential erosion. This process incorporated rainfall data collected over a four-decade period from 1971 to 2010. The findings of this study demonstrate that the intensity of soil erosion and the generation of sediment are influenced by the topographical characteristics of the region, and the steepness of the terrain. Soil erosion within the Wadi Mina basin presents notable fluctuations, spanning a spectrum from a low of 0 to a high of 772.16 tons per hectare annually, with the mean annual erosion rate calculated at 16.69 tons per hectare. The Sediment Delivery Ratio (SDR) for the basin is estimated to be around 19.20%. Understanding soil erosion patterns at different sub-basin levels can be valuable for designing effective conservation strategies. This information helps to implement erosion control measures and to improve overall environmental management within the basin.