Spatial analysis of the soil erosion in the hydrographic basin of Formoso River: subsidy to politics of land use and environmental preservation in a region of Brazilian Cerrado

A spatial analysis of soil erosion in the Formoso River basin, primarily within Emas National Park in Brazil's Cerrado, reveals that 29.12% of agricultural areas experience severe soil loss, with annual erosion rates reaching up to 8315 t ha-1 year-1. These losses are linked to high values of rainfall erosivity (R), soil erodibility (K), and topographic factors (LS) in dystrophic Red Latosol soils. The study highlights the critical need for proper land-use planning and sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate environmental degradation, particularly in water resource protection. Using remote sensing, geoprocessing tools, and the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE), researchers provide a data-driven basis for policy-making in this UNESCO-recognized Cerrado protected area.

Pereira, M. A. B., Alves, W. d. S., Castro, R. M., Morais, W. A., & Pôssa, É. M. (2023). Spatial analysis of the soil erosion in the hydrographic basin of Formoso River: subsidy to politics of land use and environmental preservation in a region of Brazilian Cerrado. Revista Brasileira de Geografia Física, 16(4), 2145–2170. https://doi.org/10.26848/rbgf.v16.4.p2145-2170