Erosion Risk Level at Cameron Highlands with Regards to Soil Erosion Loss

Abstract

The agricultural activities and urban developments in Cameron Highlands have made them vulnerable to erosion. This situation has been supported by the fact that many ongoing and new proposed development projects have taken place in the Cameron Highlands. Thus, this study evaluates soil loss risk levels by catchment and sub-districts (mukim) in Cameron Highlands using the USLE model with GIS application. The USLE model covers the six factors namely rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, slope length and steepness, cover management, and conservation practice. In earlier studies, PLANMalaysia and the Department of Agriculture Malaysia recorded land use and land cover have produced different soil loss risk levels in Cameron Highlands. Land-use data from PLANMalaysia represents town construction and development, while land-use data from the Department of Agriculture represents agricultural impact. Based on the result, the soil loss risk level produced by REDAC USM has predicted that 6.72 per cent in Cameron Highlands possess 'HIGH' risk or higher. On the other hand, soil loss risk levels produced using data from PLANMalaysia and the Department of Agriculture have predicted 10.08 per cent and 5.95 per cent, respectively. This new soil loss risk level could guide farmers and local authorities to control current land-use practices, encouraging soil conservation, and minimising soil loss in Cameron Highlands.