Assessment of Soils Water Erosion in the Department of Vélingara by Application of the RUSLE Model

In Senegal, water erosion poses a serious risk to the productivity and quality of agricultural land. This study aims to assess soil water erosion in the Vélingara department by applying the RUSLE model to estimate soil losses. According to the results, losses vary between 0 to 64 tons/ha/year, with an average of 0.51 tons/ha/year. 99% of areas have losses of less than 5 tons per hectare per year, which is relatively modest for the majority of the territory. However, some areas in the east of the department, close to the Gambie and Koulountou rivers, have greater losses (>20 tons/ha/year). The comparison between the RUSLE model soil loss map prediction and field data showed a significant impact on erosion processes due to the topography and the hydrographic network. This study contributes to decision-making and the development of more effective policies in soil management.