Assessment of Soil Erosion Rates Using Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and GIS in Backa (Serbia)

Soil erosion assessment enables the identification of manifested soil erosion categories, their spatial distribution and the relationship between soil erosion and land use patterns. The integrated approach of the RUSLE method and GIS tools was used in estimating soil erosion rates in Backa (Serbia). Previous research of soil erosion intensity in the study area was last performed 50 years ago. The spatial distribution of the calculated erosive factors shows the diversity of erosive conditions. The results indicate that the average annual soil loss is from 0 to 28.6 t ha(-1) yr(-1). The soil erosion is particularly pronounced in the area of the Titel loess plateau (up to 28.6 t ha(-1) yr(-1)). The results indicate the diversity of the erosion rates depending on the land use. Multiple correlation indicates that the LS factor has the largest effect on erosion (correlation coefficient 1). The results in this paper can be used in planning future conservation measures, especially if the recent field measurements of soil erosion are added. This research is also important since the RUSLE method represents a new approach in determining the soil erosion intensity.