Abstract: Based on Landsat TM/ETM image, statistical document and reconnaissance field survey, soil erosion and land cover change as affected by measure of alternative energy were analyzed in Letianxi watershed. We found that the permanent vegetation cover increased from 80.6% in 1997 to 83.2% in 2002. Furthermore, the quality of vegetation cover was improved, and the area of more density cover type including forest and shrub increased 18.1% and 9.1% respectively. The area of intensive, moderate and slight erosion classes reduced 4.6km\+2, 26.4km\+2 and 11.5 km\+2 individually. The total soil erosion modulus was 507 259 t/a in 1997 and 371 592 t/a in 2002. It is indicated that the reduction sediment was 26.8%. At the same time, the annual average soil loss rate was approximately 1 241 t/km2 in 1997, whereas 909 t/km2 was found in 2002.

Key words: alternative energy, land cover, soil erosion, remote sensing