Soil Erosion Characteristics in Tropical Island Watersheds Based on CSLE Model: Discussion of Driving Mechanisms

Yi Zou, Yimei Wang, Yanhu He, Lirong Zhu, Shiyu Xue, Xu Liang and Changqing Ye ()
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Yi Zou: College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
Yimei Wang: College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
Yanhu He: Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong Technology University, Guangzhou 510000, China
Lirong Zhu: School of Tourism, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
Shiyu Xue: College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
Xu Liang: College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
Changqing Ye: College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China

Land, 2024, vol. 13, issue 3, 1-19

Abstract: Previous research has primarily focused on soil erosion issues in arid and semi-arid regions, with a limited understanding of soil erosion mechanisms in tropical areas. Additionally, there is a lack of a holistic perspective to determine the spatial attribution of soil erosion. The conversion of tropical rainforests into economically driven plantations, like rubber and pulpwood, has resulted in distinct soil erosion characteristics in specific regions. To enhance our knowledge of soil erosion patterns and mechanisms in tropical regions, it is necessary to examine soil erosion in the three major watersheds of Hainan Island from 1991 to 2021, which encompass significant geographical features such as tropical island water sources and tropical rainforest national parks. The study employed the China Soil Loss Equation (CSLE) model, slope trend analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, land-use transfer matrix, and spatial attribution analysis to examine soil erosion under different scenarios. The research results indicate that scenarios driven by the combination of natural and human factors have the greatest impact on soil erosion changes in the entire study area. Co-driven increases affected 53.56% of the area, while co-driven decreases affected 21.74%. The 31-year soil erosion showed an overall increasing trend. Human factors were identified as the primary drivers of increased soil erosion in the Nandu River basin, while a combination of climate and anthropogenic factors influenced the decrease in soil erosion. In the Changhua River basin, climate and human activities contributed to the soil erosion increase, while human activities primarily caused the decrease in soil erosion. In the Wanquan River basin, climate intensified soil erosion, whereas human activities mitigated it. This study underscores the significant combined impact of human activities and natural factors on soil erosion in tropical regions. It emphasizes the importance of considering human-induced factors when implementing soil erosion control measures in tropical regions.

Keywords: soil water erosion; Hainan Island; spatial attribution; CSLE (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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