137Cs-Based Assessment of Soil Erosion Rates in a Morphologically Diverse Catchment with Varying Soil Types and Vegetation Cover: Relationship with Soil Properties and RUSLE Model Predictions

Abstract

This study assessed soil erosion intensity and soil properties across the Crveni Potok catchment in Serbia, a region of diverse morphology, geology, pedology, and vegetation. Soil samples were collected using a regular grid approach to identify the underlying factors contributing to erosion and the most vulnerable areas. Based on 137Cs activities and the profile distribution (PD) model, severe erosion (>10 t ha−1 y−1) was predicted at nearly 60% of the studied locations. The highest mean erosion rates were detected for the lowest altitude range (300–450 m), Rendzic Leptosol soil, and grass-covered areas. A significant negative correlation was found between the erosion rates, soil organic matter, and indicators of soil structural stability (OC/clay ratio and St), indicating that the PD model successfully identifies vulnerable sites. The PD and RUSLE (revised universal soil loss equation) models provide relatively similar mean erosion rates (14.7 t ha⁻1 y⁻1 vs. 12.7 t ha⁻1 y⁻1) but significantly different median values (13.1 t ha−1 y−1 vs. 5.5 t ha−1 y−1). The model comparison revealed a positive trend. The observed inconsistencies were interpreted by the models’ spatiotemporal frameworks and RUSLE’s sensitivity to input data quality. Land use stands out as a significant factor modifying the variance of erosion rate, highlighting the importance of land management practices in mitigating erosion.