Ten-Year Changes in Soil Erosion in Nam Dong District, Central Vietnam Using USLE and GIS Techniques

Abstract

This study examines changes in soil erosion over a ten-year period (2013–2023) in Nam Dong District, Central Vietnam, using the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) integrated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Soil erosion maps for 2013, 2018, and 2023 were developed using Landsat 8 imagery, a digital elevation model (DEM), and local weather and land use data. The analysis focused on variations in key USLE factors, particularly rainfall erosivity (R), vegetation cover (C), and conservation practices (P), which changed significantly over time. Results show that 2023 experienced the most severe erosion, with over 66% of the area classified as extreme, corresponding to high rainfall that year. In contrast, 2018 had the lowest erosion levels. Statistical analyses (ANOVA and regression) confirmed that changes in R and C factors were the primary drivers of soil loss, while the P factor had limited influence. These findings align with global research emphasizing the roles of rainfall intensity and vegetation cover in erosion processes. The study highlights the value of multi-temporal analysis for understanding erosion dynamics and supports the need for adaptive land management strategies in tropical mountainous regions facing climate variability.