Work

Land conservation based on land use potential and erosion risk in an Atlantic Forest watershed (Brazil)

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Landscape changes, mainly caused by intensive farming activities, result in soil degradation and effluent contamination. This has a negative impact on farmer life-quality and the environment. This study assesses land use suitability and erosion potential in the Espírito Santo portion of the São Mateus River Basin using the conservation use potential (CUP) and revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) methodologies. The results indicated that 38.91% of the analysed area has a high potential for agricultural use; however, a comparison between actual and potential land use indicated that 9.39% of the area is incompatible. Analysis of erosion potential revealed that 3.18% of the total area of the study site had erosion above the tolerance for tropical soils in Brazil. These findings highlight the need for improved land management practices to mitigate soil erosion and maintain soil quality in the basin.

Source: Ecological Indicators

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2026.114683

Authors: André Orlandi Nardotto Júnior, Fábio Ribeiro Pires, Alexandre Rosa dos Santos, Lomanto Zogaib Neves

Institutions: Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri

Language: English

Topic: Soil erosion and sediment transport

Subfield: Soil Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Clean water and sanitation, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,650