Potential soil erosion map per plot (2017)

The potential soil erosion map per parcel (2017) shows the total potential erosion of a particular agricultural parcel based on a class classification. The total potential erosion does not take into account the current land use (grassland or arable land). The ‘sensitivity single application’ field shows the information corresponding to the erosion sensitivity on the 2017 single application. The approved objections were processed both in the single application erosion sensitivity field and in the field ‘Total erosion’. The approved applications for the reduction of the erosion sensitivity class based on a high carbon content were processed in the single application erosion sensitivity field indicating “/C” behind erosion sensitivity, but the field “Total erosion” retained its original value for these parcels. On 25 April 2017, the potential soil erosion map per parcel (2017) was updated with additional approved objections and applications for other erosion-related land and reduction of the erosion sensitivity class based on a high carbon content. Erosion by water is a process in which soil particles are loosened and transported by the impact of raindrops and flowing water, either lowly over a large surface, or concentrated in channels and ravines. This leads, among other things, to a decrease in soil quality and productivity, but also to significant damage caused by mud nuisance in downstream (residential) areas. Soil erosion is one of the most important forms of soil degradation in Flanders. The potential soil erosion map per parcel is based on the 2016 parcel map. The potential soil erosion map per plot was drawn up through computer modeling with a spatial resolution of 5x5 m (Research group Physical and Regional Geography, Department of Earth and Environment Sciences, K.U.Leuven). The calculation of erosion is based on the revised universal soil loss equation or R.U.S.L.E. (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation, Renard et al, 1991). It is an empirical model that calculates the average annual soil erosion rate per unit area due to intergeal and geulerosion as a product of 6 factors.