Spatial Analysis of Soil Erosion in the Ceyhan Basin (Turkey) With GIS and the RUSLE Model

The RUSLE model applied in the Ceyhan Basin revealed a heterogeneous erosion pattern driven by topography, land use, and rainfall erosivity. Low R-factor values dominate the northern plains, while Mediterranean influence increases erosivity in the south. Moderate erodibility soils cover most of the basin, yet steep slopes with high LS values form critical hotspots. Protective land cover remains limited, and more than half of the basin lacks conservation practices. As a result, although 60% of the basin experiences low erosion, nearly 13% shows extremely high soil loss, mainly in areas where steep gradients, weak vegetation, and inappropriate land-use practices overlap. These findings highlight the need for targeted conservation strategies and spatially informed land-management planning.