Analysis of erodibility factors and declivity in the Gurgueia River sub-basin, Piauí, Brazil

Soil degradation caused by erosion is one of the biggest environmental problems. The Geographic Information System (GIS) QGIS and ArcGIS were used to prepare thematic maps. The average slope resulted in smooth wavy (42.1%), flat (27.8%), and wavy to strong wavy (19.9%) over the entire length of the sub-basin. Erodibility resulted in very high (41%) mainly in sectors with a predominance of Neossolos Quartzarênicos soils, on average (7.1%) in the South and Southwest and low (51.1%) of the area corresponding to the soil of the type Dystrophic Yellow Latosol. The expansion of the agribusiness associated with inadequate soil management in areas susceptible to erosion at BHRG can compromise long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability. It is important develop suitable agricultural techniques appropriate to the soil to optimize its use and its sustainable production capacity.