Evaluating the erosion risk using the USLE tool in a small agricultural area

Abstract

USLE (Universal Soil Loss Equation) was used as a standard tool for evaluating Slovakia's water erosion risk. Understanding interactions between land cover, land use management, and topographical properties of the land are essential to effectively control soil erosion by implementing best management practices. Two ways for LS factor calculation are recommended for use in practice. The first way is in the computing method based on the USLE 2D software, and the second is the other computing algorithms. Various forms can assess the LS factor but with different results. This article aimed to show the differences in LS factor assessment methods in the Myjava Hills – Sobotište study area, a small agricultural area strongly threatened by water erosion. All in two variants before and after the application of anti-erosion measures (water retention grass ditch). Changes in the LS factor were directly indicated in calculating the long-term average soil loss by water erosion. After applying a complex system of anti-erosion measures, results show a significant reduction of the mean long-term soil loss by water erosion in both comparisons.

Keywords: USLE, LS factor, anti-erosion measures, soil loss

Acknowledgement: This study was supported by PhD student project LABEX. The study was also supported by the VEGA grant agency under the contract numbers VEGA 1/0632/19.