Soil erosion estimation and risk assessment based on RUSLE in Google Earth Engine (GEE) in Turkiye

Abstract

Soil erosion is a critical challenge threatening agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability globally. This study presents the first estimation of water-induced soil loss in Ordu province, Turkey, using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) integrated with Google Earth Engine (GEE) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies. Our analysis provides spatial insights into erosion patterns across the region, revealing that soil loss rates range from 0–5 t/ha/yr in stable areas to over 200 t/ha/yr in severely eroded regions. The mean soil loss rate is estimated at 12.58 t/ha/yr. The study identified the LS factor (slope length and steepness) as the most significant contributor to soil erosion, followed by the R factor (rainfall erosivity). These findings offer valuable insights into soil erosion dynamics, supporting sustainable soil management practices and informing erosion control strategies. The results contribute to land use planning and policy development aimed at mitigating soil degradation and enhancing agricultural resilience in Ordu province.