Identification of priority areas for soil erosion governance and
analysis of control factors based on different karst landform types
Abstract
Soil erosion is the prominent ecological and environmental problem in
karst area of southwest China, which seriously restricts the sustainable
development of the region. Determining the priority areas of soil
erosion governance and its driving factors can significantly improve the
efficiency of prevention and control. However, at present, there are few
researches on the priority areas of governance that comprehensively
consider karst landform types and management requirements. Based on the
minimum administrative unit and karst landform types, this study
identified the priority areas of soil erosion control by comprehensive
use of spatial clustering method and geographic detectors, and
quantified the driving factors and their interactions. The results
indicated that: (i) Priority areas within the smallest administrative
unit are clustered in the southwest, southeast and northeast of the
study area, overlapping with areas of intense erosion; Geomorphological
differentiation of multi-factor gradient risk zones is obvious, but the
areas with strong erosion are all controlled by bedrock exposure rate,
altitude and slope aspect. (ii) The soil erosion in the priority area is
concentrated and intense. By treating the priority area, which accounts
for 12.77% of the total area, soil erosion can be reduced by 27.66%.
(iii) The driving factors have a strong dependence on karst landforms,
showing obvious differences in different karst landform areas;
Interaction of factors, especially the interaction between human
disturbance factors and natural influence factors, can significantly
enhance the explanatory power of soil erosion. The research results have
important theoretical significance for the planning and control of soil
and water loss in karst areas.