Soil Loss Modeling in the Municipality of Silvânia - Goiás

Abstract

Brazil, with its vast territorial extension and climatic diversity, faces serious problems of water erosion of soils. This process, driven by the force of rainwater in tropical climates regions, along with intense agricultural activities, such as in the municipalities of the Brazilian Cerrado, represents one of the main forms of soil degradation. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the temporal and spatial dynamics of vulnerability to soil loss in the municipality of Silvânia, Goiás, in two distinct scenarios: 1985 and 2023. To do this, we sought to identify the probable causes of water erosion in the different land cover and land use typologies, understanding which environmental factors trigger this phenomenon. For modeling, the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) was employed in a Geographic Information System (GIS), estimating the CP, LS, K, and R factors. The results indicated significant changes in land cover, with an increase in agricultural areas and a reduction in natural formations. Agricultural areas on steep slopes revealed high erosion vulnerability to erosion, influenced by the accentuated relief, land use patterns and edaphoclimatic characteristics of the region. It is concluded that the agricultural expansion without conservation practices has accentuated soil degradation. For the municipality, the importance of land management and conservation techniques such as terracing, contour lines, and maintenance of vegetation cover is highlighted.