Comprehensive assessment of soil erosion using cloud-based geospatial analysis: Insights from the RUSLE model

Javed Ahmad; Syed Amer Mahmood; Muhammad Haseeb

doi:doi.org/10.25252/SE/2025/253773

Author(s)

Javed Ahmad Institute of Space Science, University of the Punjab,54780, Lahore,Pakistan

Syed Amer Mahmood Institute of Space Science, University of the Punjab,54780, Lahore,Pakistan

Muhammad Haseeb Institute of Space Science, University of the Punjab,54780, Lahore,Pakistan

Abstract

The erosion of soil remains a major environmental threat as it results in land degradation, low agricultural productivity, and the destabilization of ecosystems. Analyzing its spatial distribution is vital for better land management and designing effective practices. This research deploys a cloud -based geospatial infrastructure to estimate soil erosion using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE). The rainfall erosivity factor (R) is generated from Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Station (CHIRPS) annual precipitation data, and the soil erodibility factor (K) uses soil textu re classification estimates from the USDA's Open Land Map. The LS factor accounts for the topographic effects of erosion intensity using Digital Elevation Models (DEMs). Changes in vegetation cover, evaluated by the Sentinel-2 derived NDVI, inform the cover management factor (C) while land use, along with slope data, define the conservation practice factor (P). The combined study provides a detailed soil loss map of the Potwar region, revealing that approximately 8.10% of the total area (17,778 km²) suffers from severe erosion, contributing the highest average soil loss rate of 46.74 t/ha/year. Additionally, 67% of the area is moderately eroded, while only 11.13% experiences slight erosion. The most sensitive regions, approximately 17,778 km² (8.10% of total area), suffer the highest average soil loss of 46.74 t/ha/year. The results of Cloud computing technology applied to geospatial analysis for soil erosion issues show its effectiveness in facilitating remediation efforts while also enabling the assessment of multifaceted environmental systems.

Publication Details

Page(s) 191-207

DOI doi.org/10.25252/SE/2025/253773

Published Journal: Soil and Environment, Volume: 44, Issue: 2, Year: 2025

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Keywords

Pakistan, GEE, soil loss, NDVI, RUSLE, chirps, Potwar

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