Programa de Pós-Graduação em Geografia
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Master Thesis Análise da expansão urbana e das práticas agrícolas nas perdas de solo da Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Catu-RN, Brasil(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2025-07-24) Barros, Luana de Holanda Viana; Troleis, Adriano Lima; http://lattes.cnpq.br/8830982074139789; http://lattes.cnpq.br/9226634838083660; Almeida, Lutiane Queiroz de; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6604-5987; http://lattes.cnpq.br/7311955924979180; Medeiros, Jacimária Fonseca de; http://lattes.cnpq.br/7137009169288085The Catu River Basin (BHRC), located on the southern coast of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, faces several environmental challenges related to urban expansion and inappropriate agricultural practices, such as the removal of riparian forests for sugarcane cultivation in areas legally designated for preservation. These factors intensify water erosion, compromising the quality of natural resources and the environmental sustainability of the basin. The overall objective of this study was to analyze the influence of urbanization and agricultural practices on soil loss in the BHRC, using the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) as a methodological tool, to provide support for the planning and sustainable management of the basin's natural resources. The research phases involved a literature review, cartographic survey, fieldwork, and application of the USLE (Structural Modeling), considering the factors R (intensity with which rainfall can cause the disintegration and dragging of soil particles), K (ease with which soil can be eroded), LS (effect of topography on surface runoff), and CP (influence of land use and management and conservation practices). The results include the physical and environmental characterization of the basin, with an emphasis on climatic, geological, geomorphological, pedological, and land use and cover aspects. Modeling using the USLE allowed mapping of areas with the greatest potential for soil loss, highlighting the influence of anthropogenic activities, such as urban expansion and agricultural practices, especially in Permanent Preservation Areas (APPs) and Environmental Protection Areas (APAs). The integrated analysis identified the most critical sectors in terms of environmental degradation, highlighting the main anthropogenic pressures on the natural resources of the BHRC-RN. In conclusion, this study proposes a set of mitigation measures aimed at restoring degraded areas, sustainable soil management, and developing environmental planning strategies. These actions seek to strengthen the conservation of natural resources and promote the basin's sustainability, in conjunction with existing public policies.