Estimating soil erosion and identifying erosion hotspots for conservation priority in Bidara watershed, upper catchment of Lake Ziway, central Rift Valley of Ethiopia

Soil erosion poses a global challenge on the environment and agriculture. Understanding soil loss in a specific watershed could assist in planning effective conservation measures. The objective of this study was to estimate annual soil loss, identify erosion hot-spots, and prioritize management strategies using Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation with Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing. Meteorology record (rainfall), lab analysis of soil properties, digital elevation model analysis of topography, normalized difference vegetation index-based land cover analysis, and field observation of conservation practices were inputs of the model. In the watershed, the annual soil loss ranged from 0–1129.47 t ha-1 yr-1, surpassing the tolerable limit. Approximately 74.6% of the study area exhibited low to moderate soil loss (<20 t ha-1 yr-1), while 25.4% faced high to extremely severe erosion (>20 t ha-1 yr-1). Upstream regions were identified as areas with high soil erosion risk mainly due to cultivation and grazing on steep slopes. The areas with >20 t ha-1 yr-1 soil loss require immediate, intensive and integrated soil and water conservation measures including bunds, terraces and tree planting. Implementation of soil and water conservation measures are required to reduce erosion particularly in the highly susceptible southern parts of the watershed. Implementing contour plowing, grass strips and bunds can reduce erosion in areas experiencing low erosion (<10 ha-1 yr-1). Mapping erosion hotspots provide valuable insights into the development and execution of effective and sustainable conservation plans. Planners and decision makers should prioritize implementation of integrated soil and conservation measures in areas with intolerable erosion.