Abstract

GASPARI, F. J; DELGADO, M. I  and  DENEGRI, G. A. Spatial, Temporal and Economic Estimation of Soil Loss from Surface Water Erosion. Terra Latinoam [online]. 2009, vol.27, n.1, pp.43-51. ISSN 2395-8030.

The irreversible changes generated by socioeconomic activities make regional planning and controlled use of the available resources necessary. Planned environmental intervention must lead to both sustainable growth and conservation of natural surroundings for present and future generations. This study was conducted in the Ventana hydrographic basin in southwestern Buenos Aires, Argentina, to generate a spatial, temporal and economic diagnosis of soil loss by surface water erosion, using a Geographic Information System. The method used for quantitative estimation was the USLE model (Universal Soil Loss Equation), evaluating the gross differential margin with and without sustainable management. The highly impermeable rock, steep slopes, and absence of appropriate agroforestry practices increased the runoff values, propitiating an increase in the levels of surface water erosion. The economic results showed that, because of the elevated amount of annual regional financial setbac (US$ 217 000 000), generating a territorial management strategy is even more important. The negative consequences of soil loss are not only ecological, but economic as well, since crop productivity decreased incomes of the different sectors involved.

Keywords : basin; GIS; USLE; economic lost; gross margin.