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A Historical Overview of Methods for the Estimation of Erosion Processes on the Territory of the Republic of Serbia

Author

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  • Ivan Malušević

    (Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade, Kneza Višeslava 1, 11030 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Ratko Ristić

    (Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade, Kneza Višeslava 1, 11030 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Boris Radić

    (Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade, Kneza Višeslava 1, 11030 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Siniša Polovina

    (Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade, Kneza Višeslava 1, 11030 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Vukašin Milčanović

    (Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade, Kneza Višeslava 1, 11030 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Petar Nešković

    (Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade, Kneza Višeslava 1, 11030 Belgrade, Serbia)

Abstract

Erosion is a significant environmental challenge in Serbia, shaped by natural and human factors. Pronounced relief, fragile geological substrate, a developed hydrographic network, and a climate characterized by an uneven distribution of precipitation throughout the year make this area prone to activating erosion processes and flash floods whenever there is a significant disruption in ecological balance, whether due to the removal of vegetation cover or inadequate land use. Researchers have recorded approximately 11,500 torrents in Serbia, most of which were activated during the 19th century, a period of significant social and political change, as well as intensive deforestation and the irrational exploitation of natural resources. By the mid-19th century, the effects of land degradation were impossible to ignore. As the adequate assessment of soil erosion intensity is the initial step in developing a prevention and protection strategy and the type and scope of anti-erosion works and measures, this article presents the path that the anti-erosion field in Serbia has taken from the initial observations of erosion processes through the first attempts to create the Barren Land Cadastre and Torrent Cadastre to the creation of the Erosion Potential Method (EPM) and its modification by Dr. Lazarević that resulted in the creation of the first Erosion Map of SR Serbia in 1971 (published in 1983). In 2020, a new Erosion Map of Serbia was created with the application of Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies and based on the original method by Professor Slobodan Gavrilović—the EPM—without the modifications introduced by Lazarević. We compared the 1983 and 2020 erosion maps in a GIS environment, where the change in soil erosion categories was analyzed using a confusion matrix. The updated erosion maps mirror the shift in methodology from a traditional approach (Lazarević’s modification) to the modern GIS-based method (Gavrilović’s original EPM) and reflect technological improvements and changes in land use, conservation practices, and environmental awareness.

Suggested Citation

  • Ivan Malušević & Ratko Ristić & Boris Radić & Siniša Polovina & Vukašin Milčanović & Petar Nešković, 2025. "A Historical Overview of Methods for the Estimation of Erosion Processes on the Territory of the Republic of Serbia," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-26, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:2:p:405-:d:1592098
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. David Pimentel, 2006. "Soil Erosion: A Food and Environmental Threat," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 8(1), pages 119-137, February.
    2. Palairet,Michael R., 1997. "The Balkan Economies c.1800–1914," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521580519, January.
    3. Milena Gocić & Slavoljub Dragićević & Aleksandar Radivojević & Nataša Martić Bursać & Ljiljana Stričević & Milan Đorđević, 2020. "Changes in Soil Erosion Intensity Caused by Land Use and Demographic Changes in the Jablanica River Basin, Serbia," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-12, August.
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