Erosion intensity and sediment yield using the IntErO model in an experimental watershed dominated by karst in Brazil

Soil losses from water erosion jeopardize agricultural sustainability and food security for current and future generations. The research aimed to evaluate the application of the Erosion Potential Method by the Erosion Intensity and Runoff program in a karst watershed in a region with typical savanna climate in the northeast of the State of Goiás, Brazil. Input data were adapted according to the corresponding characteristics of tropical regions. The results indicated that the Extreme watershed has a value of ۰.۶۲ in the index (۰ to ۱) which indicates the intensity of erosion. The basin belongs to category ۳ with moderate erosion intensity, which indicates processes of surface erosion in the largest area of the hydrographic basin, and annual soil loss of ۴۸۵.۴۷ m³ km² year-۱. According to the model, although ۱۶% of the eroded material reaches the outflow of the hydrographic basin, ۸۴% of these sediments are deposited in the river flow and inside the surface and underground caves and galleries of the karst. The Potential Erosion Method proved to be interesting in evaluating the production of sediments in tropical soils, but it is necessary to evaluate other scenarios and carry out comparisons and validations. However, it is important to highlight that applications and observations are being initiated in Brazil and served as data for better future evaluations.