مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - The effects of land use and land cover changes in Ergene Basin (Thrace) on erosion

Abstract :

This study focuses on the relationship between erosion and land use and land cover changes(LULCC) in the Ergene Basin. RUSLE (3D) method, which is based on geographical informationsystems (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) techniques, was used in the study. In accordance with theresearch aim, Landsat satellite images were used to analyze LULCC from 1987 to 2015. Based on thisdataset, two different C (land cover and management) factor maps were produced. LULCC in yearsmanifest themselves in also C factor and thus obviously affect soil erosion indirectly. In this regard,the effects of anthropogenic LULCC on erosion were investigated and determined. It was found outthat as LULCC have occurred in the Ergene Basin in the last 28 years, average annual soil loss hasdecreased (- 1.67 t ha¯¹ per year) as a result of the growth of residential areas. However, this, whichseems positive at first glance, is because the effects of severe erosion that has increased in the areahave not manifested themselves yet. It should be noted that uncontrolled growth of residential areaswill give rise to some basic agricultural problems. The results of this study confirm the existence of astrong and significant relationship between LULCC and erosion. Some measures should be takenurgently so that erosion risk in the Ergene Basin is reduced to optimum level in the near future.