Spatial pattern of soil erosion using RUSLE model and GIS software at the Saf Saf watershed, Algeria

Soil erosion is one of the problems threatening Algerian environment. In agriculture, soil leads to thinning topsoil under effect natural erosive forces water, or agricultural activities. The present study aims estimate average loss rate and identify vulnerable zones. Through integration RUSLE model at Saf watershed, various parameters are utilized such as rainfall erosivity factor (R), erodibility (K), slope length - (LS), crop management (C) practice (P). All these prepared processed through a geographic information system (GIS) remote sensing using database sources. results reveal that river basin has an annual 3.9 t ha−1 yr−1, 4.53 million tonnes for period 1975-2017. Meanwhile, eighty five percent area experiencing acceptable loss, which ranging between 0 5 yr−1. risk assessment can contribute understand spatial pattern in order use appropriate conservation practices sustainable management.