Evaluating and Controlling Soil Erosion Risk in Floodplains: A Case Study of Wadi Sudr Watershed in Egypt

Soil erosion is a substantial eco-environmental issue often intensified by flooding. For the protection of water and soil, estimating soil erosion is essential. The study utilized the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) alongside ArcGIS to analyze soil erosion in Wadi Sudr watershed in Egypt. The research aimed to assess and control erosion in the floodplains The results showed that the RUSLE model is especially influenced by the topographic factor (LS). Soil loss was categorized into five distinct categories. About 68% of the Wadi Sudr area is classified within the Very Low and Low soil erosion categories, primarily located in flat areas with vegetative cover. About 18% lie in moderately sloped terrain, while 14% of Wadi Sudr, characterized by steep slopes and lack of conservation practices, experiences high erosion. Three management scenarios were supposed: contouring, strip cropping, and terracing. The contouring scenario increased the Very Low and Low erosion area to 76%, strip cropping raised it to 88%, and terracing proved the most effective, increasing it to 98%. These findings can support policymakers in implementing management practices to mitigate erosion and safeguard both human life and property.