CONSEQUENCES OF THE INTENSIFICATION OF LAND USE IN LINEAR EROSIVE PROCESSES IN THE SOUTHEAST GAÚCHO

Abstract

Over time, the pressure on the soil grew continuously, causing the acceleration of natural erosion processes, an issue that is one of the main contemporary environmental problems. In this context, the present article verified the effects that the changes in the uses of the land, added to the physical characteristics related to the soils and to the slope of the upper course of the Arroio Quilombo’s watershed, caused in the behavior of linear erosive features between the years 2010 and 2016, as well as explored which factors were most determinant for such behavior. By mapping the features and crossing the generated information plan with those referring to soils, slope and land cover and uses, it was verified that the replacement of the natural vegetation of the Pampa biome by agricultural crops is accompanied, in the area of study, by the increment of linear erosive processes in naturally fragile soils. Land uses are intense enough to mitigate the influence of slope on erosion processes as well as to intensify these processes despite the increase in forest areas. If conservation and recovery measures are not taken, regional agricultural production itself, marked by the predominance of family farming, may be affected.