GIS as a tool to apply the universal equation of soil loss in the Sextin river basin

Erosion is a process in which the superficial layer of the soil is lost, which provides the plants with the highest concentration of nutrients and the water they need, thanks to its high organic matter content. According to the United Nations Organization and Goal 2 'Zero Hunger' of the Sustainable Development Goals, soil erosion is a factor that restricts the ability to produce nutritious food. In this sense, it is important to monitor this natural process, an effective method is the implementation of the Universal Soil Loss Equation, which is a quantitative method of indirect evaluation that can be used through Geographic Information Systems in a determined area, in this method variables such as topography, land slope, land use, site geology, and average annual rainfall. The study site of this research is the Sextín River Basin located northwest of the State of Durango, Mexico, with a surface area of 4,906.8 km2. The results obtained indicate that the rate of soil loss reaches a value of 27,201 tons/ha/year, corresponding mainly to areas where the topography presents a high percentage of its slopes.