Methodology for the Erosion sensitivity calculation

Erosion is an important aspect in the agricultural sector and should be taken into account in the context of an agricultural structure plan.

The methodology used for the erosion calculation is partly based on the pilot study carried out in the context of the HARDIS project (Erosion Hazard Assessment for Forest Management in Harghita County Romania). This study was carried out by Belgroma and Hemmis.

One of the methods used to calculate erosion is the UNIVERSAL SOIL LOSS EQUATION (Wischmeier & Smith, 1958; Wischmeier & Smith, 1978).

A = R x K x LS x C x P

• A = average annual soil loss in t/ha (tons per hectare)
• R = rainfall erosivity index (dependant on rainfall Intensity and Quantity)
• K = soil erodibility factor (dependant on Soil Type)
• LS = topographic factor - L is for slope length & S is for slope
• C = cropping factor (dependant on Mulch & Vegetation)
• P = conservation practice factor (dependant on Surface Texture)

As for this project, only the potential erosion is important, the P-factor and the C factor wikk not be taken into account erosion is important. Overview of the erosion calculation: