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Assessment of Spatial Soil Erosion Using RUSLE Model Integration with GIS
and RS Tools a Case Study of Gojeb Catchment, Omo-Gibe Basin

Article in International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy · January 2022

DOI: 10.11648/j.ijepp.20221005.13

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International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy
2022; 10(5): 130-139
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/j/ijepp
doi: 10.11648/j.ijepp.20221005.13
ISSN: 2330-7528 (Print); ISSN: 2330-7536 (Online)

Assessment of Spatial Soil Erosion Using RUSLE Model

Integration with GIS and RS Tools a Case Study of Gojeb
Catchment, Omo-Gibe Basin, Ethiopia
Eyasu Tafese Mekuria
Department of Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering, Wolkite University, Wolkite, Ethiopia

Email address:

To cite this article:

Eyasu Tafese Mekuria. Assessment of Spatial Soil Erosion Using RUSLE Model Integration with GIS and RS Tools a Case Study of Gojeb
Catchment, Omo-Gibe Basin, Ethiopia. International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy. Vol. 10, No. 5, 2022, pp. 130-139.
doi: 10.11648/j.ijepp.20221005.13

Received: August 17, 2022; Accepted: October 25, 2022; Published: October 31, 2022

Abstract: Soil erosion is a natural process in which earth materials are entrained and transported across a given surface
mainly by wind and water. Gojeb catchment is one of the catchments found in the Omo-Gibe Basin, Ethiopia with soil erosion
problems. It covers 6932.345 km2. The current study was undertaken with the application of RUSLE and Geographic
information system (GIS) to estimate the soil erosion of Gojeb catchment and identifications of the most affected area based on
severity level. To determine the parameters of RUSLE, rainfall, soil map, Landuse Landcover, Digital elevation model data’s of
Gojeb catchment was collected from different sources. The rainfall Erosivity (R), soil erodibility (K), topographic (LS), land
cover (C), land management (P) were combined in Arc GIS environment using RUSLE. Annual soil loss of the catchment was
determined by combining all the important parameters of RUSLE. The estimated annual soil loss value in the watershed varies
from 0 to 85 ton/ha/yr, with an average value of 38 ton/ha/yr. The spatial soil erosion severity of the watershed was grouped
into six classes low severity class covers 31.425%, moderate severity class covers 12.5%, high severity class covers 16.75%,
very high severity class covers 7.63% sever severity class covers 11.4% and very sever severity class cover 20.3% of the area
depending on soil loss hazards. In Gojeb catchment concerning stakeholders, for the different districts, which have exposed to
very high to extreme sever loss classes given immediate priorities to proper conservation and mitigating measures.
Keywords: Arc GIS, Gojeb catchment, RUSLE, Omo-Gibe Basin, Ethiopia

environmental threat [3].

1. Introduction A geographic information system, remote sensing, and
Soil erosion is a natural process in which earth materials modeling tools are increasingly used in environmental
are entrained and transported across a given surface. It is studies for land use land cover planning and water
regarded as the major and most widespread kind of soil management. Empirical models such as the Universal Soil
degradation and as such, affects significantly the sustainable Loss Equation (USLE), RUSLE, Chemical Runoff and
agricultural land use. Soil can be eroded mainly by wind and Erosion from Agricultural Management systems (CREAMS),
water. High winds can blow away loose soils from flat or Agricultural Nonpoint Source Model (AGNPS) and Modified
hilly terrain, while erosion due to the energy of water occurs Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE) are increasingly
when water falls toward the earth and flows over the surface being used to predict erosion rates at spatio-temporal scales
[1]. Soil erosion is a major problem around the world [4]. The USLE model was originally proposed in 1965 to
because of its effects on soil productivity, nutrient loss, estimate rill and sheet erosion from cultivated lands in the US
siltation in water bodies, and degradation of water quality However, the model is continuously being revised and used
[2]. In developing countries like Ethiopia, soil erosion by in different countries and ecosystems.
water and the resulting land degradation are an alarming RUSLE is a simple and robust model, and has significant
problem that led to a significant economic crisis and negative advantages in watershed scale erosion and sediment transport
131 Eyasu Tafese Mekuria: Assessment of Spatial Soil Erosion Using RUSLE Model Integration with GIS and RS
Tools a Case Study of Gojeb Catchment, Omo-Gibe Basin, Ethiopia

modeling [5]. RUSLE offers several improvements in the amount of flow to Gibe III Hydropower project. Apart from
USLE factors to represent diverse land and crop management, the hill topography, faulty cultivation practices and
and slope forms [6]. Briefly, R-values are minimized under flat deforestation within the basin result in huge loss of productive
slopes experiencing high rainfall intensity. The K factor has soil and water as runoff [10]. There is a need for developing
been greatly improved to account for seasonal variability (e.g. integrated watershed management plan based on hydrological
freezing and thawing, soil moisture, and soil consolidation), simulation studies using suitable modeling approach in this
and to include repercussions of rock fragments on soil catchment. Considering hydrological behavior of the basin and
permeability and runoff. RUSLE also includes functions for applicability of the existing models for the solutions of
slope steepness and for soil vulnerability to rill erosions aforesaid problems, the current study was undertaken with the
relative to inter-rill, and generates a rather linear relation for application of RUSLE and Geographic information system
slope steepness compared with the USLE model. It utilizes a (GIS) to estimate the soil erosion of an intermediate watershed
sub-factor method consisting of historical land use, canopy, of Gojeb River. Therefore, this study is based on RUSLE to
ground cover, and within-soil effects to improve estimates of predict soil erosion of Gojeb watershed.
weighted average soil loss. Additionally, P factor values are
improved for contouring, terracing, strip-cropping, and 2. Materials and Methods
rangeland conservation and management [6, 7].
Basically, RUSLE predicts the long-term average annual 2.1. Description of the Study Area
rate of erosion on a field slope based on rainfall pattern, soil
type, topography, crop system, and management practices (soil The study was conducted at the Gojeb River Catchment, a
erosion factors). For the past 15 years, more comprehensive part of the Omo-Gibe basin in Ethiopia. The Omo-Gibe basin
research on soil erosion by water has been conducted. By is the third-largest perennial river in Ethiopia next to the Baro
including additional data and incorporating recent research Akobo and Blue Nile rivers it lies between 5° 31′ to 10° 54′
results, the USLE methodology is improved and a revised N and 33° 0′ to 36° 17′ E and covers about 79,000 km2 of
version of this model (RUSLE) further enhanced its capability land area in South and Southwest Ethiopia [11].
to predict water erosion by integrating new information made The Gojeb catchment is one of the major watersheds in the
available through research of the past 40 years [8, 9]. Omo-Gibe basin and is situated in the southern part of the
The Gojeb river catchment as a whole receives a good country as shown in the below figure which covers an area of
amount of rainfall throughout the year, which flows through 6932.345 km2. Gojeb catchment is located between 07°00′N and
the Western side of Omo Gibe Basin and contribute high 08°00′N latitude and between 35°40′E and 37°20′E longitude.

Figure 1. Location of Gojeb catchment.

climate in the southern part of the floodplain to a tropical humid

2.2. Climate and Topography one in the highlands that include the extreme north and north-
The climate of the Gojeb Watershed varies from a hot arid western part of the Basin. The Intermediate between these
 International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy 2022; 10(5): 130-139 132

extremes and for the greatest part of the basin the climate is rainfall data was used to calculate rainfall erosivity (R) factors.
tropical sub-humid. Rainfall in the river sub-basin varies from
over 1900 mm per annum in the north-central areas to less than Table 1. Rainfall stations location and average annual rainfall.
300mm per annum in the south. Furthermore, the rainfall regime NO Stations Latitude Longitude AV.RF
is unimodal for the northern and central parts of the basin and 1 Bonga 7.54 36.54 1824.38
bimodal for the south. The mean annual temperature in the 2 Jimma 7.66 36.81 1585.95
3 Shebe 7.53 36.51 1444.44
Gojeb watershed varies from 16°C in the highlands of the north
4 Deri goma 7.52 36.25 1641.53
to over 29°C in the lowlands of the south [12]. 5 Chira 7.73 36.23 1802.70
The topography of the Gojeb river sub-basin as a whole 6 Tercha 7.14 37.16 1533.88
is characterized by its physical variation. The northern 7 Chida 7.16 36.78 1498.55
two- thirds of the basin have mountainous to hilly terrain. 8 Dedo 7.51 36.86 1622.65
The northern and central half of the basin lies at an
2.3.2. Landuse Landcover of the Study Area
altitude greater than 697 m.a.s.l with a maximum
elevation of 3851 m.a.s.l (located between Gilgel Gibe
and Gojeb tributaries), and the plains of the lower part of
the Gojeb watershed lies between 697 m.a.s.l [12].
2.3. Data Collections and Sources

2.3.1. Rainfall Pattern of Gojeb Catchment

Figure 3. Landuse landcover map of Gojeb catchment.

Table 2. Landuse landcover map classification of Gojeb catchment.

Landuse landcover Area in Km2 % of total

Forest land 1559.08 22.49%
wood lands 1272.77 18.36%
shrub/bush 191.33 2.76%
crop land 3396.15 48.99%
Grass land 269.66 3.89%
Figure 2. Meteorological stations around Gojeb catchment.
Barren land 45.75 0.66%
wet land 67.931 0.98%
Eight Meteorological stations data were collected for the water body 36.741 0.53%
estimation of rainfall. Eight meteorological stations, stations settlements 92.89 1.34%
located within as well as around the catchment, 25 years daily
rainfall data were collected from national meteorological agency. The study watershed LULC was classified into nine
Meteorological stations include Bonga, Tercha, Shebe, Jimma, classes, namely Forest land, wood lands, shrub/bush, crop
Deri Goma, Dedo, Chira and Chida. The watershed annual land, Grass land, Barren land, wet land, water body and
rainfall of the study area ranges from 1444.44 mm to 1824.38 settlements. Cropland is the dominant land use type in the
mm. The average annual Rainfall of the area is 1618.63 mm. study area, which covers 3396.15 (48.99%). LULC map were
The rainfall is uni-modal type with one long rainy season. The downloaded from Ethiopia Sentinel2 website.
133 Eyasu Tafese Mekuria: Assessment of Spatial Soil Erosion Using RUSLE Model Integration with GIS and RS
Tools a Case Study of Gojeb Catchment, Omo-Gibe Basin, Ethiopia

2.3.3. Topography class four 30-40% class five >40% according to the
Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is the digital Ethiopian highland studies result of slope classifications for
representation of the land surface elevation with respect to most agricultural watersheds.
any reference datum. DEM is frequently used to refer to any
digital representation of a topographic surface. DEM is the
simplest form of digital representation of topography. DEMs
are used to determine terrain attributes such as elevation at
any point, slope and aspect. Terrain features like drainage
basins and channel networks can also be identified from the
DEM. The topography of the area is characterized by
undulating, rugged, hilly topography with altitude ranging
from 822 masl (meter above sea level) around central edge to
3320 masl in the Northern ridge.

Figure 5. Soil map of Gojeb catchment.

Figure 4. Digital elevation model map of Gojeb catchment.

2.3.4. Soil
Soil properties are one of the major factors affecting
watershed response to the soil erosion of the catchment. The
soil map of the study area was taken from the Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) which is the digital soil map
of the world in shape format found on the website
http://www.fao.org/land-water/news-archive/news
detail/en/c/1026564/. According to FAO soil classification
Gojeb catchment has two main domain soil types those are
Eutric Nitosols and Eutric Cambisols.
2.3.5. Slope Map
A slope map is a topographic map showing changes in
elevation on a highly detailed level. The slope of the Gojeb
catchment derives from a resolution of 12.5m*12.5m
resolution DEM of the catchment. There is the possibility to
choose simply a single slope class or multiple slope class.
For this study, multiple slope class was selected and consider
slope class one 0-10%, class two 10-20% class three 20-30% Figure 6. Slope map of Gojeb catchment.
 International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy 2022; 10(5): 130-139 134

2.4. RUSLE Equations transport. Soil resistance to erosion depends on topography,

land slope, and soil disturbance. It is an estimate of the soil’s
RUSLE is a flexible tool that has been adapted to landscape ability to withstand erosion depending on the physical
and watershed scales combined with Geographic Information properties of each soil. The erodibility of the soil varies
Systems (GIS) in soil erosion assessments. There are several depending on the soil texture and aggregate stability, shear
erosion prediction approaches widely used comprised of strength, infiltration capacity, and soil chemical content [14].
empirical, conceptual, and physical based models. Universal Soil erodibility is the inherent aspect of soil properties
Soil Loss Equation (USLE), Modified Universal Soil Loss effecting the vulnerability of a soil to erode, as influenced by
Equation (MUSLE), and Revised Universal Soil Loss the biophysical and chemical characteristics of the soil [15].
Equation (RUSLE) are the most popular empirical models Procedures to calculate K-factor.
used globally for erosion prediction and control. RUSLE It can be calculated by the equations
developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture is used as a
decision support system in soil conservation and land use K factor=f sand*f clay*f org*f silt*0.1317
planning. The other advantage of a selection of RUSLE is that
the parameters of this model can be easily integrated with GIS f sand=(0.2+0.3exp[-0.256msand (1- )]) f clay =( )^0.3
for better analysis. The RUSLE was used as the model and it
. ∗
was interfering with the ArcGIS 10.8. f org=(1 )
[ . ! ." ∗ ]

A = R·K·LS·C·P . ( !
%&'()
)
*++
f silt=(1- %&'() %&'() )
A = Average annual soil loss (metric t·ha−1·yr−1). - ! . [! . ." - ! .]
*++ *++
K = Soil erodibility index to water erosion (metric
t/ha/MJ/mm). Where
LS = Topographic factor depending on the slope and its fc -sand is the function of coarse sand content. fcl− is the
length (L in meter and S in%). C = Land cover. function of the clay. forg- is the function of the organic
P = Conservation and development factor. carbon content.
fsand -is the function for high sand content.
2.4.1. Rainfall and Runoff Erosivity Factor (R) ms is the sand content (%),
Rainfall erosivity is defined as the aggressiveness of the rain msilt is the silt content (%),
to cause erosion. The R factor is considered to be the most mc is the clay content (%),
highly correlated index to soil loss at many sites throughout Org C is the organic carbon content.
the world. The erosive power of rainfall can be estimated by
calculating the erosivity factor for a particular location. It 2.4.3. Slope Length and Slope Steepness (LS) Factor
depends on the amount and the intensity of rainfall [13].. The The slope length (L) and slope steepness (S) define the
mean of the annual sums for the period under consideration landscape’s topography, which mostly influence the extent of
gives the rainfall erosivity factor (R factor). Different soil erosion. L and S are the two most important parameters
researchers have developed equations from which the R factor with regard to soil erosion modeling and most importantly
has been derived and applied in different regions. when calculating the transporting power of surface runoff
For Ethiopian the following formula was used to compute [16].. Slope steepness has been considered as one of the most
R factor (Regional formula). model parameters in RUSLE analysis due to the fact that the
steeper the slope of a field, the more it is pushed down hill, the
R= 0.55*MAR faster the water runs and the greater will be the amount of soil
loss from erosion by water. Soil erosion by water also
Where MAR is mean annual rainfall. increases as the slope length increases due to the greater
2.4.2. Soil Erodibility Factor (K) accumulation of runoff [17].
Erodibility defines the soil’s resistance to detachment and The LS value was calculated by the following formula.

LS=power (Flow accumulations*38.2185/22.1,0.6*(sine slope(0.1745))/0.09,1.3)) [18]

of vegetation cover and specified management practices on

2.4.4. Crop Management Factor (C) soil erosion. The C factor is derived based on prior land uses,
The cover management factor (C) was used to indicate the canopy shading factor, percent soil cover by crop remains,
effect of cropping and management practices on erosion rates soil surface roughness, and above all soil moisture [20].
in agricultural lands. The role of vegetation canopy and The factor C is defined as also a ratio of soil loss on land
ground covers on reducing soil erosion in forested regions cultivated under specific conditions to corresponding soil
varies with season and crop production system. The seasonal loss on fallow land. The cover factor (C) is an index which
variation of C-factor depends on many factors such as reflects, on the basis of the land use, the effect of cropping
rainfall, agricultural practice, type of crops and others [19]. practices on the soil erosion rate [3].
The crop management factor is indicative of the influence
135 Eyasu Tafese Mekuria: Assessment of Spatial Soil Erosion Using RUSLE Model Integration with GIS and RS
Tools a Case Study of Gojeb Catchment, Omo-Gibe Basin, Ethiopia

Table 3. Crop management factor values. Table 4. Support practice factor values.

Land use land cover type c-factor (Wischmeier, 1978) value Slope% Contouring Strip cropping Terracing
Forest 0.01 0-7 0.55 0.27 0.1
Shrub land 0.01 6-11.3 0.6 0.3 0.12
Grazing land 0.01 11.3-17.6 0.8 0.4 0.16
Cultivated land 0.15 17.6-26.8 0.9 0.45 0.18
Bare land 0.05 26.8> 1 0.5 0.2
Urban built up area 0.05
Wet land 0.01
Water body 0.00 3. Result and Discussion
2.4.5. Support Practice Factor (p) 3.1. Rain Fall Erosivity Factor (R)
The P factor refers effectiveness of support practices that
The rain fall-runoff erosivity factor obtained by calculating
will diminish the amount and rate of soil erosion. A support
the prescribed procedures were ranges 743.52 to 881.65 MJ
practice is most successful when it causes eroded sediments
mm/ha/y. A graphical relationship between the estimated rain
to be deposited on the upslope, very close to their source than
fall erosivity factor value and the maximum rain fall was
close to the end of the slope. However, the effectiveness of P
established. The mean erosivity factor value computed from
factor is influenced by a range of activities functional on the
eight (8) rainfall gauging stations in Gojeb watershed was
farm such as cross slope cultivation, contour farming, strip
812.585 MJ mm /ha/y. The highest R- factor value was
cropping and terracing [21].
identified in the Eastern, north west and middle parts of study
The P-factor mainly represents how surface conditions
areas whereas, the lowest R-value are occupied in the
affect flow paths and flow hydraulics. P factors have been
western part of the study area. High rain fall erosivity value
developed to reflect conservation practices on rangeland. The
can cause damages surface soil through hit the bare soil for
practices require estimates of surface roughness and runoff
long time. Generally, rainfall erosivity map of study area
reduction. Of all the USLE factors, values for the P factor are
could show spatial overview of the erosive power of rainfall.
the least reliable. The P-factor mainly represents how surface
conditions affect flow paths and flow hydraulics [6].

Figure 8. Rainfall erosivity factor values of Gojeb catchment.

3.2. Soil Erosivity Factor (K)

Erosivity factor is very crucial from RUSLE input parameters

to estimate soil erosion loss. In this study the RUSLE factor has
Figure 7. General methodology.
considered the major soil type profiles of study area. Basically
 International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy 2022; 10(5): 130-139 136

the major dominant soil types of the study area were Eutric erosion is happened during the period of rainy season in the
Nitosols and Eutric cambisols but the major parts were covered area of no ground cover. Densely and sparsely forest of the
by Eutric cambisols. They characterized as Clay soil textures, study area reflects good ground cover, to this they lowery
organic matter and aluminum or iron compounds. From the map exposed to soil erosion. Relatively lands of bush and bamboo
of study area, the soil erodibility factor value typically ranges were moderately cover the ground surface so, slightly sensitive
from 0.134 to 0.151. The result of soil erodibility map, indicates to soil erosion. As seen figured 11 higher C- factor value,
that Eutric cambisols are highly susceptibility or exposed to soil indicated in red with related to cover management practices
erosions with K-values of 0.151. While Eutric Nitosols have less that contribute highly to rainfall Erosivity power compare to
susceptibility to erosion with k- value of 0.134. So k- value green which have lower C-factor values. For instance, lands of
indicates strength conservation practices have been carry out in the central and eastern region of the watershed (illustrated in
easily erodible areas. red) have c-factor values of 0.05 to 0.15. The spatial
distributions and magnitude of c-factor values ranges 0 to 0.15.

Figure 9. Soil erosivity factor values of Gojeb catchment.

3.3. Slope Length and Steepness Factor (LS) Figure 10. Slope length and steepness factor values of Gojeb catchment.

LS factor was calculated by using flow accumulation and 3.5. Conservation or Support Practice Factor (P)
slope in degree as inputs. LS factor value ranged from 0 to
2829.8. When slope and flow accumulation increase, LS factor The P-factor value results from the product of P sub
increases. Higher LS factor was observed in the Northern factors that taken into account individual support practices,
upstream area of the basin. Maps obtained from LS-factor some of which are used in combination. P-values of the
outlined that the slope in Gojeb watershed have tendency of watershed were found in the ranges of 0 to 1. Slope% 0-7% p
increasing with in elevation and along the banks of rivers. In values of 0.27, 6-11.3% p values of 0.3, 11.3-17.6% p values
fact, the steepest the slope lengths the highest erosion potential of 0.4, 17.6-26.8% p values of 0.45, 26.8%> p values of 0.5.
are occur. LS Factor values are stretching from 0 to 2829.8. The P-factor value is little in the middle part and in the
eastern, western and some of the northern parts of the study
3.4. Cover Management Factor (C) area have the biggest p-factor values as result of no human
Forest 0.01, Shrub land 0.01, Grazing land 0.01, Cultivated activities for conservation practice are followed. The most
land 0.15, Bare land 0.05, Urban built up area 0.05, Wet land, significant impacts related with soil detachments in Gojeb
0.01 Water body 0.00. Cultivated land, Bare land and built up watershed; unsustainable agricultural and lands uses, poor
land areas critically these areas are exposed to distinct rainfall water-soil management and sever wildfire expanding as a
runoff and which have high soil erosion loss. As a result, soil result of human need activities are increase.
137 Eyasu Tafese Mekuria: Assessment of Spatial Soil Erosion Using RUSLE Model Integration with GIS and RS
Tools a Case Study of Gojeb Catchment, Omo-Gibe Basin, Ethiopia

watershed was grouped into six classes, depending on soil

loss hazards with slight modifications in group. Therefore,
the result of soil loss rate obtained was spatially varied
from low to very sever particularly in some areas of the
study watershed. For this brief Annual average soil loss
rate severity classes with their magnitude and spatial
distribution of soil loss risk map of Gojeb watershed are
illustrated below in figure 13.

Figure 11. Cover management factor values of Gojeb catchment.

Figure 13. Annual gross soil loss map of Gojeb catchment.

3.7. Severity Map of the Gojeb Catchment

Figure 12. Conservation or support practice factor values of Gojeb

catchment.

3.6. Estimation of Annual Gross Soil Loss Rate

The estimated annual soil loss value in the watershed

varies from 0 to 85 ton/ha/yr, with an average value of 38
ton/ha/yr. The spatial soil erosion severity of the Figure 14. Severity map of the Gojeb catchment.
 International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy 2022; 10(5): 130-139 138

RUSLE was applied for the identification and degree as inputs and LS factor value ranged from 0 to
prioritization of the Gojeb watersheds on the basis of average 2829.8. according to the types of landuse landcover the C
annual soil loss. The predicted amount of soil loss and its factor values was determined, Forest 0.01, Shrub land 0.01,
spatial distribution can provide a basis for comprehensive Grazing land 0.01, Cultivated land 0.15, Bare land 0.05,
management and sustainable land use for the watershed. The Urban built up area 0.05, Wet land, 0.01 Water body 0.00. P-
areas with lowest and moderate severe soil erosion were in values of the watershed were found in the ranges of 0 to 1.
the western and northern part of Gojeb watershed, the highest Slope% 0-7% p values of 0.27, 6-11.3% p values of 0.3,
and very highest severe soil erosion were almost in all parts 11.3-17.6% p values of 0.4, 17.6-26.8% p values of 0.45,
of Gojeb watershed with minimum sever and the very severe 26.8%> p values of 0.5. By combining all the important
soil erosion were almost in the middle and eastern part of parameters, the soil erosion capacity of Gojeb catchment was
Gojeb catchment and it needs special priority for the computed. The estimated annual soil loss value in the
implementation of control measures. This method is helpful watershed varies from 0 to 85 ton/ha/yr, with an average
when the soil loss potentials of different sub-watersheds do value of 38 ton/ha/yr. The spatial soil erosion severity of the
not have considerable variations. watershed was grouped into six classes low, moderate, high,
very high, sever and very sever depending on soil loss
Table 5. Severity level and area coverage of Gojeb catchment. hazards. The areas with lowest and moderate severe soil
Severity level value Area coverage percent% erosion were in the western and northern part of Gojeb
Low 0-7 31.42 watershed, the highest and very highest severe soil erosion
Moderate 7-15 12.5 were almost in all parts of Gojeb watershed with minimum
High 15-25 16.75
sever and the very severe soil erosion were almost in the
Very high 25-45 7.63
Sever 45-60 11.4 middle and eastern part of Gojeb catchment and it needs
Very sever >60 20.3 special priority for the implementation of control measures.

4. Conclusion
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