Soil Erosion Modeling of Kinmen (Quemoy) Island, Taiwan: Toward Land Conservation in a Strategic Location
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Kinmen Island, historically known as Quemoy, has a unique history shaped by its strategic location in the Taiwan Strait. In the mid-20th century, Kinmen served as a key military outpost in the region. This study examines soil erosion and deposition on Kinmen Island using two models: the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and the Unit Stream Power-based Erosion Deposition (USPED). The Rainfall-Runoff Erosivity Factor (Rm) was calculated based on storm energy and maximum 30-minute intensity (EI30) from precipitation data at four stations. Soil samples from ten locations were analyzed to determine the Soil Erodibility Factor (Km), and the Slope Length and Steepness Factors (LS) and Topographic Sediment Transport Factor (LST) were calculated using a 20-meter resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM). The Cover-Management Factor (C) was derived from land use classification. The RUSLE model estimated a mean soil erosion rate of 2.17 Mg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, while the USPED model suggested a deposition rate of 1.39 Mg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ and an erosion rate of 0.87 Mg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ for m = 1.3 and n = 1.2. For m = 1.6 and n = 1.3, the erosion rate increased to 3.79 Mg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ and the deposition rate to 6.51 Mg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹. These findings were compared with studies from neighboring Fujian Province and with field observations from two excursions to Kinmen. This pioneering research offers valuable insights into soil erosion and deposition dynamics on Kinmen Island, contributing to land management and conservation strategies. Furthermore, the study aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15, which emphasizes the importance of conserving terrestrial ecosystems and addressing land degradation.
Source: Sustainability
DOI: 10.3390/su172210052
Authors: Walter Chen, Yu-Chieh Huang, Kieu Anh Nguyen
Institution: National Taipei University of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W4416105224