Document Type : Research Article
Authors
1
Master's student in the field of environmental science and engineering, majoring in land evaluation and preparation, Faculty of Natural Resources, Zabul University
2
Associate Professor of Zabul University Faculty of Natural Resources
3
Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources, Zabul University, faculty
4
Department of Environment, Faculty of Science, Zanjan University
10.22067/geoeh.2024.87025.1468
Abstract
Soil erosion is a significant environmental issue in terrestrial ecosystems that can impact habitat quality in a region. This study aimed to evaluate soil erosion and habitat quality in the Sistan region, Eastern Iran, based on land use patterns. The InVEST model was used to evaluate soil erosion and habitat quality after collecting the necessary data. The relationship between soil erosion and habitat quality was analyzed using Spearman's correlation test and geographically weighted regression (GWR). The study found that the annual soil erosion in the region was 3.41 Mt, (averaging 2.07 t ha-1). Despite having higher quality, the western habitats showed a higher potential for soil erosion. The highest and lowest erosion were observed in rangelands (3.6 t ha-1 y-1) and wetlands (0 t ha-1 y-1), respectively. The highest and lowest habitat quality were seen in rangelands and built-up areas, respectively. Spearman's test revealed a positive and significant correlation between habitat quality and soil erosion (R=0.71, P-value<0.01). GWR analysis also confirmed a significant spatial correlation between the two variables (R2=0.91, P-value<0.01).The results showed that the spatial pattern of the quality of habitats and soil erosion in the study area is almost similar, so that habitats with higher quality are located in the western part of the region, while these parts naturally have more erosion potential due to the existing topography, soil and climate characteristics. The spatial pattern of habitat quality and soil erosion in the study area was similar, with higher-quality habitats located in the western parts of the region, which naturally had a higher potential for erosion. This study provided valuable information on habitat quality and soil erosion and emphasized the importance of managers and planners adopting effective strategies to reduce soil erosion, particularly in high-quality habitats in the region.
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