| This research introduces a Geographical Information Systems (GIS) model that predicts the location and relative susceptibility of humid subtropical hillslopes to sheetwash erosion. The extent of the erosion was based on the conservation potential of the existing vegetation cover. This is an original deductive and deterministic model (Potential Erosion Detection, PED) incorporating regionally applicable physical and land use factors thought to be influential. These were climate (agroclimatic zones), topography (aspect and slope angle), soil (texture, drainage, depth, aggregation), vegetation cover and land use (tillage activity). The study looked at surface erosion as a perceived problem in a post-colonial economy. The processes, cause and effect of... |
