Soil Erosion Estimation in Arid Area by USLE Model Applying GIS and RS: Case of Oued El Hamma Catchment, South-Eastern Tunisia

Soil erosion risk is one of the most severe environmental problems that can affect water availability, agricultural productivity and consequently countries’ sustainable development worldwide. The current study was performed in Oued El Hamma Catchment, South-Eastern Tunisia to estimate soil loss, applying Universal Loss Equation (USLE) integrated with Geographic Information System (GIS) Remote Sensing (RS) approaches. main objective this research identify vulnerable zones elaborate a map catchment. adopted approach built essentially on five factors including rainfall erosivity, topography, erodibility, field management practice vegetation cover factors. In addition, erodibility factor simulated based properties obtained via in-situ measurements sampling analysis campaigns. spatial Catchment established four distinct classes intensity loss. mean loss rate approximately 0.2 t/ha/yr. maximum area 17 t/ha/yr Matmata mountainous regions. results showed minimal catchment (99%). moderate high limited coverage observed especially South sector (< 1%) subjected greater than 5 Finally, it important note developed represents an efficient tool help decision makers evolving strategies for conservation works such arid areas where farmlands are extremely scarce.