Estimated soil loss by water erosion by land cover type (source: JRC)

Soil erosion by water is one of the most widespread forms of soil degradation in Europe. The indicator soil erosion estimates the soil loss by water erosion processes (rain splash, sheetwash and rills) for different land cover types which are based on the Corine Land Cover nomenclature: Agricultural areas and natural grassland, split in the latter two land cover types: i) Agricultural areas excluding pastures ii) Pastures and natural grassland The figures of the affected area are represented in tonnes per hectares per year. The erosion rate comprises the whole estimated erosion > 0 tonnes/hectare/year. The affected area considers only potentially erosive-prone land, meaning that artificial, sandy, rocky and icy surfaces as well as wetlands and water bodies are not included in the area on which the indicator is based. Data on soil erosion are published under agreement with the data provider – Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (JRC – ISPRA). These data represent the soil erosion rates by water estimated on the basis of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) empirical computer model.