Soil erodibility in Europe: A high-resolution dataset based on LUCAS

• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.02.010
• Publication Date: 2014-02-21T04:31:04Z
• Authors: Panos Panagos; Katrin Meusburger; Cristiano Ballabio; Pasqualle Borrelli; Christine Alewell
• Keywords: Soil texture; Pedotransfer function; Digital Soil Mapping

The greatest obstacle to soil erosion modelling at larger spatial scales is the lack of data on characteristics. One key parameter for erodibility, expressed as K-factor in widely used model, Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and its revised version (RUSLE). K-factor, which expresses susceptibility a erode, related properties such organic matter content, texture, structure permeability. With Land Use/Cover Area frame Survey (LUCAS) survey 2009 pan-European dataset available first time, consisting around 20,000 points across 25 Member States European Union. aim this study generation harmonised high-resolution erodibility map (with grid cell size 500 m) EU States. was calculated LUCAS using nomograph Wischmeier Smith (1978). A Cubist regression model applied correlate latitude, longitude, remotely sensed terrain features order develop map. mean Europe estimated 0.032 thahha(-1)MJ(-1)mm(-1) with standard deviation 0.009 thahha(-1)MJ(-1)mm(-1). yielded compared well published local regional data. However, incorporation protective effect surface stone cover, usually not considered calculations, resulted an average 15% decrease K-factor. exclusion calculations likely result overestimation erosion, particularly Mediterranean countries, where highest percentages cover were observed.