Land Use and Land Cover Changes and Its Impact on Soil Erosion in Stung Sangkae Catchment of Cambodia

Agricultural expansion and urban development without proper soil erosion control measures have become major environmental problems in Cambodia. Due to a high population growth rate increased economic activities, land use cover (LULC) changes will cause disturbances, particularly erosion. This research aimed estimate total amounts of loss using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model within Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. LULC maps Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) 2002 Mekong River Commission (MRC) 2015 were used evaluate impact on Stung Sangkae catchment. dynamics for study periods catchment showed that experienced rapid conversion forests paddy rice fields other croplands. The results indicated average from was 3.1 7.6 t/ha/y periods, respectively. estimated 1.9 million t/y 4.5 t/y, accelerated by steep slopes combined with velocity erosivity stormwater runoff. spatial distribution highest value (14.3 62.9 t/ha/y) recorded central, southwestern upland parts It is recommended priority should be given hot spot areas, appropriate water conservation practices adopted restore degraded lands.