Predicting Soil Erosion Rate at Transboundary Sub-Watersheds in Ali Al-Gharbi, Southern Iraq, Using RUSLE-Based GIS Model

The empirical soil loss model, RUSLE, was used in conjunction with remotely sensed data and geographic information system technology to delineate the erosion watershed priorities terms of conservation practices at seven boundary sub-watersheds (labeled as SW-00, SW-01, …, SW-06) between Iraq Iran district Ali Al-Gharbi, southern Iraq. six factors RUSLE i.e., rainfall erosivity, erodibility, slope steepness length, crop management, management practice, were calculated or estimated using from different sources such previous studies. results revealed that annual ranges 0 1890 (tons h?1 y?1) an average 0.66 y?1). Values classified into five classes: very low, moderate, high, high. potential high classes 14.84 y?1), these occupy only 27 km2 study area, indicating is low area being examined. In spatial distribution loss, northern northeastern parts (mountains hills) where steeper are more likely erode than plain southeastern portions, slope, addition has a dominant effect on rate. watersheds under consideration reveals portions SW-02, SW-04 require priority plans; however, primarily located mountain regions, making implementation plans areas impractical. Due other sub-watersheds, particularly SW-03, SW-05, SW-06, given priority.