Evaluation of methods for determining the LS index at different resolutions for soil erosion modeling using the RUSLE method
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Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Instytut Uprawy Nawożenia i Gleboznawstwa – Państwowy Instytut Badawczy w Puławach
Abstract
Description
This paper investigates the impact of Digital Terrain
Model (DTM) resolution on the calculation of the sediment trans-
port capacity coefficient LS within the Bystra catchment, employ-
ing various methods through GIS software. The study focuses on
the significant role of GIS in environmental research and process
modeling, emphasizing the relevance of LS coefficient analysis in
morphometry, hydrology, and geomorphology, particularly in the
context of agricultural soil erosion.
The study presents results from calculating the sediment trans-
port capacity factor LS using three methods for different resolutions
(1, 5, 10, 30, 90 meters). LS coefficient determination relies on
the catchment area map and slope map, the latter determined using
two methods. The catchment area considered is that of the Bystra
River, a right tributary of the Vistula, flowing through Nałęczów,
Wąwolnica, Celejów, Bochotnica in the Lublin Province.
Upon determining the LS coefficient, variations in results are
observed, dependent on the chosen method. The discussion sec-
tion highlights differences in LS coefficient maps based on reso-
lution and method, with notable distinctions in the north-western
part for a 10-meter resolution.
Analyzing LS coefficient maps at different resolutions, the
study observes variations in results based on the method em-
ployed. Higher LS coefficient values are noted in the river chan-
nel for a 1-meter resolution, attributed to factors such as river bed
structure, building rocks, terrain slope, and climate.
The conclusions emphasize the use of specific methods for
determining slope rasters and highlight the Desmet and Govers
method as yielding smaller variances in LS coefficient determi-
nation compared to other methods. The study recommends DTM
models with resolutions of 1, 5, and 10 meters for LS modeling,
considering their beneficial influence on variance and resolution.
In summary, this paper contributes valuable insights into the
influence of DTM resolution on LS coefficient calculations, pro-
viding a nuanced understanding of the interplay between meth-
ods, resolution, and terrain characteristics in the context of sedi-
ment transport capacity.
Keywords
LS factor, soil erosion, spatial resolution
Citation
Polish Journal of Agronomy
2023, 52, 110–122