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Abstract:
Soil erosion is a process that results in the detachment, transportation, and deposition of soil particles, and its rate and severity depend on various factors, including soil type, slope gradient, rainfall intensity, land use, and management practices. Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) changes have a significant impact on soil erosion. Deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urbanization increased soil erosion rates due to alterations in surface runoff, soil properties, and vegetation cover. The aim of this study was to monitor the impact of LULC changes on soil erosion using the (RUSLE) model over the Wadi Saida watershed. The projected framework consist to calculating the RUSLE factors using multi-source data, including LULC maps for 2010, 2015, and 2020, and a projected LULC map of 2025. The results showed a significant shift in the landscape of the study area, with a decrease in the extent of bare soil and an increase in urban areas. The LULC changes had a considerable effect on surface runoff and the C factor, which is a key factor in determining soil loss rates. Dense forest is effective in reducing the soil loss rate, but areas with a large slope gradient, such as the foothills of Saida Mountains, experienced high rates of soil degradation by erosion. The promotion of vegetation cover, such as reforestation and the implementation of conservation agriculture practices, can help stabilize soil particles, increase infiltration, and reduce surface runoff. Finally, monitoring LULC changes to minimize the impact of soil erosion on the environment and agricultural productivity.
