Simulation of soil erosion in the Lake of Patzcuaro watershed, through the use of agricultural systems with remote sensing

The natural resources deterioration of the state of Michoacan, Mexico, reaches its peak point in the lake of Patzcuaro watershed. In despite of the millionaire investments, lake reclamation has been impossible. Soil erosion is the main source of damage and loss storage capacity of the lake. Conventional tillage has stressed soil loss mainly in hillslope deforested lands. Conservation tillage is an alternative effective to reduce both soil loss and surface runoff. The aim of this study was to apply empiric erosion models to satellite data in order to simulate soil erosion, and to locate and evaluate erosion source areas. The evaluated treatments were soil erosion models from conventional till (CT) and conservation till with 100% residue soil cover (NT-100). The satellite images Landsat-TM multispectral 6 bands, 30 m of spatial resolution taken on April of 1994, were analysed using GIS Idrisi 2.0 for Windows to correct and georeference the images. Training fields and spectral signatures were displayed and assigned to images issuing the classified image supervised. This image was evaluated with the digital elevation model and the erosion model of each treatment. Results indicated that CT accounts for 6.9 t/ha of sediment yield contrasting with 1.3 t/ha of NT-100. CT alters 26% of the watershed area while NT-100 may alter 8.1 % of the area. This investigation is an alternative to locate, model and anticipate erosion sources of the Lake of Patzcuaro watershed.