Erosion intensity assessment using erosion potential method and geographic information systems: A case study of Beočin municipality, Serbia

Abstract

Soil erosion is considered as one of the most common forms of degradation, and as such affects the environment. Nowadays there are various methods to assess the loss of soil due to erosion and represent an alternative means by which it is possible to estimate the amount of soil loss in the given area. In this paper Erosion Potential Method (EPM) is used by applying GIS in the territory of the municipality Beocin. The preliminary parameters in the form of raster maps have been previously prepared: the digital elevation model, the pedological and geological map, the Corine Land Cover, as well as the results of previous pedological studies in order to determine the soil erodibility factor. In the investigated area processes from first to the fifth category of erosion were observed. The degree of threat to erosion processes is in proportion to the extent and type of activity in the investigated area, which was expected due to the high inclination of the terrain and unstable geological substrate. The Erosion Potential Method proved to be suitable for defining erosion processes in the investigated area, although the input parameters were insufficient.

Keywords

• gis
• soil erosion
• erosion potential method
• natural resources
• erosion map