Physical and environmental diagnosis as a subsidy identifying vulnerable areas to erosion in the Ribeirão do Espírito Santo watershed in Juiz de Fora (MG), Brazil

Abstract

A physical environmental diagnosis may help understand the mechanisms that operate in natural and disturbed areas, allowing guidance of the activities to be developed in order to subsidize preservationist and conservationist actions. Thereby, avoiding irreversible interventions and conserving the region's natural resources. In this context, the aim of this work is to study the Espírito Santo River Watershed (ESRW), in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil, by doing a physical environmental assessment to identify vulnerability to surface erosion. In order to achieve that, morphometric parameters, terrain slope, use/land cover and soil type in the region were used. Although ESRW is predominantly rural, its morphometric characteristics, slope, use/cover and soil type indicate high vulnerability to surface erosion. Our findings show a demand by the adoption of mitigation measures for the preservation of regenerating wooded areas, as well as planning the management of forest plantations and pastures. Hence conserving water bodies, controlling the growth of forestry in the region, minimizing areas of exposed soil and managing urban and industrial growth, since this basin is home to one of the most important sources of supply to Juiz de Fora.