Spatial expression of potential wind erosion threats to arable soils in the Czech Republic

Abstract

Wind erosion risk strongly depends on soil surface conditions. Aridity or dryness of the climate in the Czech Republic is a typical property for Southern Moravia and Central Bohemia. The study aims to map and assess qualitatively the areas vulnerable to wind erosion using available data and intelligible methodology. The evaluation is based on the number of days when at least once a day dry condition of bare soil surface was recorded. Daily data of soil surface state from 70 climatological stations to 500 m altitude from 1981 to 2010 are used. First, soil conditions from 1 st March to 30 th April and from 1 st September to 31 st October were evaluated. Evaluation of erosion risk in May is presented separately in the second phase, because only thermophilous crops (late-sowing crops) can be affected in that time. The results show that mainly in the South and Southeast Moravia, there are areas where up to 60 days with dry soil surface in the spring and autumn occurred. Occurrence of such conditions may represent potential risk of wind erosion for arable soils and therefore potential risk for sown crops and loss of fertile soil surface which is irreplaceable for agricultural activities. The results are applicable for preparation of a concept of wind erosion control measures in the threatened regions.