Spatial and temporal distribution of potential vulnerability to wind erosion processes in Vojvodina

Abstract

Wind erosion represents a significant type of degradation of arable agricultural soil. Natural and anthropogenic factors in Vojvodina are favourable for the occurance and development of intensive wind erosive processes. Along with the numerous causal factors of a complex process of wind erosion (relief, climate, soil, vegetation, manner of land usage, land consolidation, etc.), the accent in this paper is especially on climate as an aggressive component of wind erosion processes. Primarily wind, and then precipitation and temperatures, i.e. unfavourable coincidence of the aforementioned climatic elements, directly or indirectly affects the potential occurence and development of wind erosion. Actual realization of the process, that is, forming of wind deposits, depends on all the other relevant factors. Based on unfavourable coincidence of climatic factors, one can distinguish areas and periods when the conditions of potential occurrence of wind erosion are at its most aggressive. It has been determined that, according to the climatic factors, the area of Banat is more endangered than other areas in Vojvodina (3 to 4 times more). The most intensive processes are possible in early spring (April) and in autumn (October), especially in extremely dry years.

Keywords

• wind erosion
• erosion factors
• intensity of erosion
• soil degradation