Modelling soil erosion and Sedimentation using Cesium-137 isotope and sustainable development challenges in Wadi Aws Basin in Aseer Region. | ||
| Minia Journal of Agricultural Research and Development | ||
| Volume 45, Issue 1, March 2025, Pages 33-57 PDF (2.13 M) | ||
| Document Type: Original Articles | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/mjard.2025.422406 | ||
| Abstract | ||
| This study investigates water erosion in the Wadi Aws basin using a radiometric approach based on cesium-137 as a radioisotope widely recognised for its ability to estimate soil loss over medium-term periods. This method enabled the development of a zonation map to classify erosion levels across different sectors of the basin. Additionally, statistical analysis within a Geographic Information Systems framework was employed to inspect factors influencing erosion. The research also investigates sustainable management strategies for water and vegetation resources, including agricultural and natural environments. The results revealed that the Wadi Aws basin records an average soil loss of about 44.58 t/ha/year, with a parallel sedimentation rate of around 56.22 t/ha/year. This results in a positive sediment balance of roughly 5.703 t/ha/year. However, this balance is just quantified without accounting for its spatial distribution. To address this, geostatistical methods, such as Hotspot, Factor analysis and PCA analyses, were applied to identify priority areas for intervention. These analyses offer practical insights to mitigate future risks and offer efficient strategies for preserving the basin's natural resources and ensuring their sustainability for future generations. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Wadi Aws Basin; Sediment Balance; Cesium-137; Sustainable Development; Factor Analysis | ||
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