Modelling Erosion and Landslides Induced by Farming Activities at Hilly Areas, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Abstract

This work was conducted at hilly farms of Cameron Highlands to model the incidences of soil erosion and landslides using historical data and field observations. IfSAR data with spatial resolution of 5 m was used which enable clear observation and delineation of the geographic features within the study area. Field visits were conducted to various places where landslides occurred on agricultural farms in order to validate the model. Also, the rate of soil erosions was evaluated using geospatial techniques. The potential landslide event and its probability of occurrence were combined using bivariate statistical analysis. The results revealed that most of the landslides incidents were occurred at areas with intensive agricultural activities with no proper erosion control measures. It was gathered that more than 75% of landslides occurred in agricultural activities areas are under sheltered farms. The annual soil erosion rates in both Telom and Bertom Catchments ware 38 ton /ha/year and 73.9 ton /ha/year respectively. It was revealed that, there is high risk of erosion-induced landslides in agricultural farms. However, the erosion induced landslide map shows that most the landslide occurred close to the rivers. This indicated that both agricultural operations and proximity to rivers are influencing factors for the incidences.

Susceptibility to Soil Erosion and Risk Assessment at Hilly Farms Using Geospatial Techniques

“…Meanwhile, the area of 10.8 % is classified as high susceptible erosion zone with total annual soil loss greater than 15 ton ha -1 yr -1 . This finding was also found consistent with the studies conducted in the same catchments area [5,[36][37][38][39]. Reference [38] reported that the risk of soil erosion in Cameron Highlands is generally law, however, the erosion rate is on increase with a greater tendency of potential soil loss.…”

“…This finding was also found consistent with the studies conducted in the same catchments area [5,[36][37][38][39]. Reference [38] reported that the risk of soil erosion in Cameron Highlands is generally law, however, the erosion rate is on increase with a greater tendency of potential soil loss. Moreover, reference [39] simulated soil erosion related to farming activities at highlands area and arrived at the conclusion that high risk of erosion is largely influenced by agricultural activities.…”

“…In addition, the outcome of this study indicated about 10% of the study watershed is under high class of soil erosion which confirmed the find of reference [36]. Furthermore, the regions indicated by high soil erosions such as Tanah Rata and Ringlets are reported by earlier study to have severe form of soil loss due to intense agricultural operations and developments for residential and recreational areas [36,38,39]. Thus, the current study is found relevant which supplied an updated information that is useful for the management toward effective policy making and strategies for soil conservation at the highlands regions.…”

Empirically Based Rainfall Threshold for Landslides Occurrence in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

“…Surrounded by hilly areas and experience a relatively high amounts of rainfall lays Cameron Highlands at a high risk of a landslide [1]. Located at the coordinate of 4°31'26.99" N 101°20 '12.00" E in the northwest of Pahang, Cameron Highlands cover the area of 728 km 2 and the elevation of 1829 m above mean sea level. The geological, geomorphology and hydrological factors significantly contribute to the slope failure.…”

“…Moreover, having a cold weathering condition gives an opportunity to the local people of Cameron Highlands to make benefits from two primary sectors, which are agriculture and tourism. This leads to the rapid development of this area, which increases the land use and contributes to soil erosion and landslide occurrences [2].…”