Land use implications on soil erosion at São Pedro (SP)

Abstract

Erosion is a process long associated with natural factors, such as lithology, soil type, slope morphology, and rainfall. The anthropogenic actions interfere with these dynamics, and the improper practices of land use may accelerate this process. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the implications of land use and its influence on the genesis and distribution of the erosive features of the Espraiado watershed at São Pedro (SP), considering four intervals in 1962, 1972, 2000, and 2020. The land use maps and erosive features were built on orthophoto, fieldwork, and an integrated method of correlation and validation between erosive features and land use, using a potential statistical index of erosion. The results demonstrated that the classes of exposed soil and pastures are more susceptible to erosion at all times and a reduction in the total area of erosive features since 2000, due to the increase in the forest coverage, consolidated urban area, and forestry. Finally, the greatest susceptibilities of the exposed soil and pasture classes are also associated with the classes of concave curvatures and slopes between 20% and 40%.