Evaluating the new soil erosion map of Hungary—A semiquantitative approach

Abstract

AbstractSoil erosion by water is one of the most significant forms of soil degradation globally, especially in Europe. A new soil erosion risk map of Hungary has been compiled and published recently, using the combined outputs of the Universal Soil Loss Equation and Pan‐European Soil Erosion Risk Assessment models. Our study aimed at providing evaluation of the map by using semiquantitative validation data obtained from the Hungarian Soil Degradation Subsystem of the National Environmental Information System. The Soil Degradation Subsystem database contained information at farm level as well as indicators based on laboratory data for 5‐ha representative plots. On the basis of the semiquantitative analysis, the map results align well with the farm‐based degradation data and provide viable information not only at the regional scale but also at the farm scale. However, indicators from representative plots did not support model results, indicating possible conflict between farm‐ and plot‐level data. Cross‐comparison of these indicators showed only limited correlation between farm‐ and plot‐level indicators.