Mountain catchments face severe erosion processes, yet sediment transport is rarely measured. Independent methods are needed to assess sediment yield without relying on long-term gauging data. We applied three methods to estimate erosion rates and sediment yield from a 1.84 km2 montane catchment located in the North Caucasus. These were: 1) in-situ measurement of the lake sedimentation rate; 2) assessment of erosion rates based on the spatial distribution of geomorphic processes, their rates, and sediment connectivity; and 3) adaptation of the RUSLE model for predicting mean annual soil loss. Based on lake sedimentation rates, the mean annual area-specific sediment yield was 513 t km-2 yr-1. The spatial distribution and rates of erosion processes indicated that surficial erosion accounts for approximately 83 % of total sediment export, ephemeral streams for 7 %, and rockfalls for 6 %. The remaining contribution comes from soil creep and seasonal solifluction. The RUSLE model, coupled with the morphometric sediment delivery ratio, produced similar, yet 16 % lower, estimates of mean annual sediment yield. This suggests the potential application of this empirical model for ungauged basins in similar montane environments.

Soil bulk density (BD) is a key indicator of soil health and quality, influencing air and water fluxes in the soil, soil biology, plant growth, nutrient availability, and water retention. While BD is typically measured through field and lab methods, these are time-consuming and resource-intensive. Alternatively, researchers use pedotransfer functions and machine learning algorithms for BD prediction. Although several BD maps exist for Europe, Switzerland is often excluded due to its non-European Union member status, creating a data gap known as a "blank spot". Additionally, existing Swiss BD maps have coarse spatial resolution (similar to 250 m). To address this, we used the national Swiss Soil Information System NABODAT dataset to produce high-resolution (30 m) BD maps at multiple depths (0, 30, 60, 100 cm) using a Quantile Random Forest algorithm. Using five-fold cross-validation, we obtained a concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) of 0.57 and an R-2 of 0.42, while external validation resulted in a CCC of 0.39 and an R-2 of 0.36. The maps revealed that croplands had the highest BD, followed by grasslands and forests. Regionally, the Central Plateau and Jura exhibited higher BD compared to the Alps. BD increased with depth, and key predictors were depth, elevation, and temperature. Although we initially expected surface reflectance to be a relevant predictor due to its link with organic carbon, it showed low importance in our model. These maps provide valuable insights for national-scale applications such as soil carbon stock estimation and compaction assessment.

Background Soil health degradation is a major threat to European food security, biodiversity, and climate stability. While scientists have debated how to define soil health during recent decades, a quantifiable framework for monitoring, management, and policy remains lacking.Aim We introduce SHERPA (Soil Health Evaluation, Rating Protocol, and Assessment) as a framework for discussion and present a first quantitative soil health assessment across Europe.Methods All major soil degradation processes (with the exception of organic contamination) were scored, averaged, and subtracted from the intrinsic soil health resulting in quantitative final scores.Results As reported before, cropland soils throughout Europe are highly degraded. Surprisingly, soil health of grasslands is also very negatively impacted. Soil erosion, nutrient surplus, and pesticide risk are largely driving poor soil health aligning with reported high biodiversity loss in agricultural land. Forest soils are also surprisingly low in health, mainly because of nitrogen surplus, reflecting documented widespread forest decline from nutrient imbalances. Interactive maps highlight specific threats to soil health across Europe, offering valuable insights for targeted action.Conclusions SHERPA is able to quantify soil health across Europe. However, at the current state of data availability, soil health is likely to be overestimated. Monitoring data of soil structure, compaction, pesticide spread and, in forest ecosystems, disturbance of humus layer are urgently needed for final assessment of soil health.

Soil erosion by water is a critical factor contributing to eutrophication in water bodies, acting as a significant source of nitrogen and phosphorus from land. Many models predict soil erosion and sediment transport into lakes and rivers, and the connection between soil erosion triggering eutrophication is considered textbook knowledge. However, limited data-based scientific evidence exists on the consequences of soil erosion and sediment fluxes on eutrophication. This study examines the impact of soil erosion on eutrophication, considering other covariates such as slope, elevation, phosphorus, nitrogen, flow accumulation and temperature, by analyzing zones of varying sizes around lakes in six different countries of Europe covering an area of 1596 km2: Austria (81 lakes), France (310), Germany (266), Hungary (73), Poland (465), and the United Kingdom (316). We utilized multispectral Sentinel-2 satellite remote sensing data at 20-m spatial resolution for 2021 and 2022 to estimate the Floating Algae Index (FAI) of lakes. FAI allowed us to quantify bloom occurrence (BO)-the frequency of detected algal blooms-and maximum bloom extent (MBE)-the total area affected by blooms during the study period. The MBEs were then correlated with the aforementioned covariates within zones of 100 m, 200 m, 500 m, and 1 km distance from the lakes using machine learning algorithms to identify the most significant and thus driving factors within these areas. Our results prove quantitatively that soil erosion is indeed a key driver of eutrophication for all the selected European regions except Austria. Water temperature, nutrient input, and slope are additional important drivers of lake eutrophication.

Soil loss by water erosion is one of the main threats to soil health and food production in intensively used agricultural areas. To assess its significance to overall sediment production, we applied the Water and Tillage Erosion Model/Sediment Delivery model (WaTEM/SEDEM) to the Luoyugou catchment, a subcatchment of the Yellow River Basin within the Chinese Loess Plateau. WaTEM/SEDEM considers rill and interrill erosion and deposition rates to calculate the sediment yield rates leaving the catchment. Terraces were established in the 1990s to reduce soil loss in this area, but no soil erosion modeling has been published regarding the effect of this mitigation measure. Therefore, we applied 1000 Monte Carlo simulations of the WaTEM/SEDEM, and the modeled average soil loss by rill and interrill erosion for 2020 was 12.2 ± 0.5 t ha−1 yr−1, with a sediment yield at the outlet of 53,207.8 ± 11,244.1 t yr−1. The results indicated that the terracing reduced gross soil loss rates (from 51.8 t ha−1 yr−1 in 1986 to 12.2 ± 0.5 t ha−1 yr−1 in 2020), while land cover changes, mainly the conversion of forests and grassland, partly counteracted the mitigation (combined effect: 76% reduction). Modeled sediment loads by rill and interrill erosion accounted for 22.8% of the total long-term sediment production recorded by flow discharge measurements. Other processes not considered by the model, such as landslides, gully erosion, riverbank erosion, and sediment production by construction, seem to predominantly influence the overall sediment yield. Considering years with baseline sediment production only, the measured and modeled sediment yields compared favorably, indicating that the latter processes primarily contribute during extreme events.

The interaction between geomorphological and ecological processes plays a significant role in determining landscape patterns in glacier forelands. However, the spatial organization of this biogeomorphic mosaic remains unclear due to limited catchment-scale data. To address this gap, we used a multi-proxy analysis to map potential geomorphic activity related to surface changes induced by sediment transport on drift-mantled slopes and a glaciofluvial plain. High-resolution vegetation data were used to generate a catchment-scale map delineating vegetation cover and stability thresholds. The two maps were integrated, and an exploratory regression analysis was conducted to investigate the influence of geomorphic activity on vegetation colonization. The multi-proxy analysis resulted in an accurate mapping of catchment-wide geomorphic activity, with a validation accuracy ranging from 75.3% through field mapping to 85.9% through plot sampling. Through vegetation cover mapping, we identified biogeomorphic stability thresholds, revealing a mosaic of vegetation distribution. Distinct colonization patterns emerged across different geomorphic process groups, influenced by process magnitude and the time since the last disturbance event. The exploratory regression analysis showed that vegetation distribution is significantly affected by geomorphic processes. Based on the overlay of results regarding geomorphic activity and vegetation distribution, we suggest an age-independent framework that indicates four potential situations of biogeomorphic succession.

Wind erosion is a process in which soil particles are detached from soils and transported downwind. One effective measure to reduce wind erosion are vegetated windbreaks such as hedgerows as they reduce wind speeds and likewise the forces which detach and transport soil particles. However, the planting of new windbreaks is driven by policy decisions as well as planning considerations. To get an initial idea of potential locations for new windbreaks, we present an automated routine as a model in ESRI ArcGIS Pro to propose plantation locations. The main input to the model is a wind erosion risk map. The results are potential locations for windbreaks that are ranked according to their suitability. The model parameters are adjustable, transferable to other regions and can be altered by to the user's needs.•Limit the wind erosion risk map to the most prone fields•Selection of unprotected sites perpendicular to the main wind direction•Suggestions for suitable sites for the potential planting of new windbreaks.

The interaction between abiotic and biotic development in glacier forelands depends on species traits and the frequency and magnitude of geomorphic events as shown on plot-scale studies. However, upscaling of biogeomorphic interactions is still scarce and it remains unclear how these interactions form and shape dynamic patches. In this study, we combined traditional field based methods of geomorphology and ecology with remote sensing and soil erosion modelling. Geomorphic mapping allows the delineation of process domains for further methods specification. Field based plot sampling along a chronosequences provides insight into distribution of species composition. Catchment wide patterns of functional groups of vegetation (graminoids, forbs, woody) were analyzed with a random forest algorithm using UAV-based multispectral imagery recorded. Small scale geomorphic events are described through simulated annual sediment transport rates derived from the revised universal soil loss equation model (RUSLE). The dataset will show temporal and spatial distribution of the stabilizing effect of plant functional types. Analyses of potential erosion rates will show the relationship of small scale sediment transport with species distribution. Results of this study will contribute to our understanding of processes that form biogeomorphic landscape patterns in glacier forelands at different scales.

Soil erosion and sediment export from hillslopes are significant problems associated with agriculture, especially in parts of the world where society is already living in extreme environments. In particular, mountainous environments remain severely understudied, with only a few runoff and sediment transport measurements available. It is necessary, therefore, to develop and validate independent methods that do not rely on long-term observations at gauging stations. Here we used three independent methods to predict soil erosion and associated sediment yield (SY) from a 1.84 km² basin in the North Caucasus. The first part concerns assessing the sedimentation rate, which was made using in-situ measurements of volumetric sediment deposition rates. Secondly, we look at the connectivity of sediment sources and the lake. A combination of remote sensing data and field surveys was used to estimate sediment connectivity and erosion mapping. The third part regards the computation of soil erosion using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE). There are three major findings in this study that help us understand sediment redistribution patterns in mountainous areas. First, based on the lake sedimentation rate, we found that the mean annual area-specific sediment yield is 514 (95% CI, 249–839) t km − 2 yr − 1 . Similar results were obtained from the erosion mapping (i.e., a map of erosion processes) — 428 (95% CI, 322–546) t km − 2 yr − 1 . Secondly, the spatial distribution and rates of the erosion processes suggest that sheet and rill erosion are responsible for ca. 40% of total sediment export, slides and rockfalls — 18%, while the rest is removed by soil creep. Additionally, the RUSLE-based modelling of sheet wash and rill erosion has highlighted the areas most prone to soil erosion. The corresponding mean annual soil erosion rate of 1.59 mm yr − 1 was very close to the results obtained from the literature review.

Der Einfluss von ungebremstem Wind kann auf landwirtschaftlichen Flächen zu Winderosion, erhöhter unproduktiver Verdunstung und Schädigung von Pflanzengewebe führen. Die Anlage und der Erhalt von Bodenschutzanlagen sind agrarökologische Maßnahmen, um dieses Schadpotenzial zu verringern. Über deren Wirksamkeit im sommerwarmen Osten Österreichs ist noch wenig quantitative Information erhoben worden. Deshalb wurden an zwei beispielhaften Bodenschutzanlagen im Marchfeld Windgeschwindigkeiten und -richtungen in verschiedenen Entfernungen gemessen. Die Veränderungen des Windeinflusses in Abhängigkeit vom Auftreffwinkel des Windes auf die Bodenschutzanlage wurden anhand verschiedener Kenngrößen analysiert und mit Referenzmessungen im unbeeinflussten Bereich verglichen. Hohe und extreme Windgeschwindigkeiten wurden durch die Bodenschutzanlagen stärker verringert als geringe und mittlere Geschwindigkeiten, was eine starke rechnerische Verminderung der Gefährdung für Bodenerosion durch Wind zur Folge hatte. Die Wahrscheinlichkeit, dass die Grenzgeschwindigkeit für Winderosion überschritten wird, ist noch in einer Entfernung des Sechsfachen der durchschnittlichen BSA-Höhe um bis zu 30 % geringer als im freien Feld. Auch die Referenzverdunstung war im Nahebereich der Bodenschutzanlage niedriger als im unbeeinflussten freien Feld. Die Ergebnisse ergänzten ähnliche Untersuchungen aus anderen Klimaten zum Ausmaß des Einflusses von Bodenschutzanlagen auf den Wind in deren Umfeld. Darüber hinaus konnte ein Eindruck über die resultierenden Veränderungen der Wuchsbedingungen in den umliegenden landwirtschaftlichen Flächen gewonnen werden.

Background Pelosols are the Soil of the Year 2022 in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. They represent soils with a high clay content (>= 45%) in the diagnostic P horizon. Pelosols are nutrient-rich, have a strong capacity for swelling and shrinking, have a challenging water balance with a high portion of nonplant available water and are affected by high traction. Such special characteristics make them challenging soils under agricultural management. Aims The occurrence, land use management and soil erosion risk of Pelosols in Germany were investigated and compared to their clay-rich soil counterparts on a global scale. Methods We intersected soil maps of the German and international digital soil mapping with soil erosion data. Results A high percentage (63%) of Pelosols in Germany are under agricultural use, from which two-thirds are arable farming. Simultaneously, Pelosols have a high risk for soil erosion by water and are the fourth most endangered soil type compared to all soil types in Germany. The average soil erosion loss of Pelosols used for agricultural practices assessed by the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) is 2.24 t ha(-1) y(-1) compared to an average erosion loss of all agriculturally used soils in Germany of 1.65 t ha(-1) y(-1). From an international perspective, Pelosols in Germany are mostly mapped as haplic Cambisols or haplic Luvisols, as they do not necessarily meet the diagnostic properties of the clay-rich Vertisol soil type. Most Vertisols are classified as Pelosols, but Pelosols do not necessarily fulfil the diagnostic criteria of Vertisols. Vertisols on a global scale have an even higher soil erosion risk than Pelosols in Germany (3.5 t ha(-1) y(-1)). Conclusions Pelosols and Vertisols, despite their high percentages for agricultural use, have a high soil erosion risk compared to other soil types and thus need special care under agricultural use and adapted protective land use management.

During Arctic springtime, halogen radicals oxidize atmospheric elemental mercury (Hg0), which deposits to the cryosphere. This is followed by a summertime atmospheric Hg0 peak that is thought to result mostly from terrestrial Hg inputs to the Arctic Ocean, followed by photoreduction and emission to air. The large terrestrial Hg contribution to the Arctic Ocean and global atmosphere has raised concern over the potential release of permafrost Hg, via rivers and coastal erosion, with Arctic warming. Here we investigate Hg isotope variability of Arctic atmospheric, marine, and terrestrial Hg. We observe highly characteristic Hg isotope signatures during the summertime peak that reflect re-emission of Hg deposited to the cryosphere during spring. Air mass back trajectories support a cryospheric Hg emission source but no major terrestrial source. This implies that terrestrial Hg inputs to the Arctic Ocean remain in the marine ecosystem, without substantial loss to the global atmosphere, but with possible effects on food webs.

Sediment connectivity is highly influenced by landscape patchiness. In particular, linear features such as roads, ditches, and terraces, modify landscape patterns and affect sediment transport from hillslopes to surface waters. Connectivity patterns are commonly assessed by spatially-distributed models, which rely on semi-qualitative indices or numerical simulations of soil erosion and sediment transport. However, model-based connectivity assessments are hindered by the uncertainty in model structure and parameter estimation. Moreover, representing linear landscape features is often limited by the spatial resolution of the model input data. Here we demonstrate how a global sensitivity analysis of the WaTEM/SEDEM model can be used to improve our understanding of sediment connectivity in patchy agricultural catchments of the Swiss Plateau. Specifically, we explored model structural connectivity assumptions regarding road drainage and the presence of edge-of-field buffer strips, as well as the uncertainty in the input data, by means of a Monte Carlo simulation and a high resolution 2 m x 2 m DEM. Our results showed that roads are the main regulators of sediment connectivity in ameliorated Swiss landscapes. That is, our sensitivity analysis revealed that assumptions about how the road network (dis)connects sediment transport from cropland to water courses had a much higher impact on modelled sediment loads than the uncertainty in model parameters. These results illustrate how a high-density road network combined with an effective drainage system increases sediment connectivity from arable land to surface waters in Switzerland. Additionally, our approach underlines the usefulness of sensitivity and uncertainty analysis for identifying relevant processes in model-based sediment connectivity assessments.

Download This Paper Open PDF in Browser Add Paper to My Library Share: Permalink Using these links will ensure access to this page indefinitely Copy URL Catchment-Scale Stability and Disturbance in Biogeomorphic Succession in an Alpine Glacier Foreland (Kaunertal Valley, Austria) 36 Pages Posted: 27 Aug 2022 See all articles by Stefan HaselbergerStefan Haselbergeraffiliation not provided to SSRNUlrich Zangerlaffiliation not provided to SSRNSimon Scheperaffiliation not provided to SSRNJan-Christoph Ottoaffiliation not provided to SSRNLisa-Maria Ohleraffiliation not provided to SSRNRobert R. Junkeraffiliation not provided to SSRNSabine Kraushaaraffiliation not provided to SSRN Abstract The frequency and magnitude of geomorphic processes and the presence of vegetation shapes the interaction between abiotic and biotic factors driving successions in glacier forelands as shown in plot-scale studies. Geomorphic processes may disturb vegetation succession and plants have the potential to stabilize terrain, as described in the biogeomorphic succession model.Capturing this interplay between disturbance and stability remains challenging as abiotic and biotic processes happen on different spatial scales. As proxy for potential disturbance, we combined the revised universal soil loss equation model (RUSLE), adapted to high mountain areas to calculate potential soil loss and mapping of geomorphic processes domains. Vegetation cover is considered as proxy for stability and has been automatically assessed using high-resolution imagery collected via an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Field-based plot sampling along a chronosequence provides insight into the distribution of species along the biogeomorphic succession.Potential disturbance is closely related to steep slopes for gravitational and denudational processes as shown by RUSLE results and process domain mapping. The disturbing potential of fluvial processes is covered by process domain mapping. First bigger patches (~100 m²) of very high stability (vegetation cover > 75%) occur about 50-80 years after glacier retreat, increasing in size (~5000 m²) in areas older than 100 years. Outside the LIA moraine 30% of the area shows very high stability. The combination of methods allowed us to differentiate three stages of biogeomorphic succession and to locate initial, current and past stages of potential ecosystem engineering of plants. The catchment-wide analyses of stability showed how important it is to consider geomorphic disturbance, as geomorphic processes locally distort the general trend of primary succession. Keywords: biogeomorphology, proglacial, RUSLE, ecosystem engineering Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation Haselberger, Stefan and Zangerl, Ulrich and Scheper, Simon and Otto, Jan-Christoph and Ohler, Lisa-Maria and Junker, Robert R. and Kraushaar, Sabine, Catchment-Scale Stability and Disturbance in Biogeomorphic Succession in an Alpine Glacier Foreland (Kaunertal Valley, Austria). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4202209 Stefan Haselberger (Contact Author) affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email ) No Address Available Ulrich Zangerl affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email ) No Address Available Simon Scheper affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email ) No Address Available Jan-Christoph Otto affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email ) No Address Available Lisa-Maria Ohler affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email ) No Address Available Robert R. Junker affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email ) No Address Available Sabine Kraushaar affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email ) No Address Available Download This Paper Open PDF in Browser Do you have a job opening that you would like to promote on SSRN? Place Job Opening Paper statistics Downloads 0 Abstract Views 1 PlumX Metrics Feedback Feedback to SSRN Feedback (required) Email (required) Submit If you need immediate assistance, call 877-SSRNHelp (877 777 6435) in the United States, or +1 212 448 2500 outside of the United States, 8:30AM to 6:00PM U.S. Eastern, Monday - Friday. Submit a Paper Section 508 Text Only Pages SSRN Quick Links SSRN Solutions Research Paper Series Conference Papers Partners in Publishing Jobs & Announcements Newsletter Sign Up SSRN Rankings Top Papers Top Authors Top Organizations About SSRN SSRN Objectives Network Directors Presidential Letter Announcements Contact us FAQs Copyright Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy We use cookies to help provide and enhance our service and tailor content. To learn more, visit Cookie Settings. This page was processed by aws-apollo5 in 0.282 seconds

Wind erosion of arable soil is considered a risk factor for Austrian fields, but direct measurements of soil loss are not available until now. Despite this uncertainty, vegetated windbreaks have been established to minimize adverse wind impacts on arable land. The study addresses these questions: i) How relevant is wind erosion as a factor of soil degradation? ii) How important is the protective effect of vegetated windbreaks? iii) Are systematic patterns of spatial and temporal variability of wind erosion rates detectable in response to weather conditions? Two experimental fields adjacent to windbreaks were equipped with sediment traps, soil moisture sensors, and meteorological measurement equipment for microclimatic patterns. Sediment traps were arranged in high spatial resolution from next to the windbreak to a distance of ten times the windbreak height. Beginning in January 2020, the amount of trapped sediment was analyzed every three weeks. The highest wind erosion rates on bare soil were observed in June and July. For unprotected fields with bare soil, upscaled annual erosion rates were as high as 0.8 tons per hectare, and sediment trapped increased in a linear fashion with distance from the windbreak. Soil water content near the surface (5 cm depth) was three percent higher at a distance of two times the height of the windbreak than at a distance of six times the height. For the same respective distances from the windbreak, we observed 29 days of soil water contents below the wilting point compared with 60 days. The preliminary outcomes confirmed the expected effects of windbreaks on soil erosion and microclimate in agricultural fields. Prospective results from multiple vegetation periods will be used in an upscaling approach to gain informations for the whole basin. That is meant to be done by a combination with a soil wind erosion model which was so far used for regional modelling of wind erosion susceptibility.

Various large-scale risk maps show that the eastern part of Austria, in particular the Pannonian Basin, is one of the regions in Europe most vulnerable to wind erosion. However, comprehensive assessments of the severity and the extent of wind erosion risk are still lacking for this region. This study aimed to prove the results of large-scale maps by developing high-resolution maps of wind erosion risk for the target area. For this, we applied a qualitative soil erosion assessment (DIN 19706) with lower data requirements and a more data-demanding revised wind erosion equation (RWEQ) within a GIS application to evaluate the process of assessing wind erosion risk. Both models defined similar risk areas, although the assignment of severity classes differed. Most agricultural fields in the study area were classified as not at risk to wind erosion (DIN 19706), whereas the mean annual soil loss rate modeled by RWEQ was 3.7 t ha−1 yr−1. August was the month with the highest modeled soil loss (average of 0.49 t ha−1 month−1), due to a low percentage of vegetation cover and a relatively high weather factor combining wind speed and soil moisture effects. Based on the results, DIN 19706 is suitable for a general classification of wind erosion-prone areas, while RWEQ can derive additional information such as seasonal distribution and soil loss rates besides the spatial extents of wind erosion.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2019.01.004.].

Windbreaks are key structural elements in the rural environment and affect the functionality of landscapes in multiple ways. A broad interdisciplinary view on these functions lacks in scientific literature and common knowledge. This led to under informed management decisions, a decrease in the number of windbreaks in wide areas, and a subsequent loss of landscape functionality. Therefore, the knowledge on windbreaks and associated ecosystem services (ES) was systematically reviewed to guide the way for a holistic comprehension of such structural landscape elements. We defined eight bundles of ES on the basis of the Common International Classification of ES scheme. Search terms that allowed to include only vegetative windbreaks consisting of at least one tree row were combined with appropriate search terms for the eight ES bundles in individual searches resulting in a total of 6094 hits. We considered only publications that provided quantitative data and allowed to derive a clear effect of windbreaks on ES so that 222 publications from all over the world were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. The outcomes provide information about the dimension of effort, scientific consensus or dissensus, and knowledge gaps in the different research disciplines involved. It was shown that windbreaks bring predominantly positive effects to landscapes in the course of all investigated ES bundles. Apparent positive effects were found for soil protection, biodiversity and pest control, whereas for biomass production, nutrient and water balance, also adverse or indifferent effects were reported. The present review reveals an intense need for further interdisciplinary research using indicators, ES approaches or similar instruments that enable quantitative and comparable statements about the functionality of windbreaks in rural landscapes.

The degrading impact of wind on agricultural soils has been observed throughout centuries in the Pannonian region of central Europe. Nevertheless, soil loss was not yet quantified and the extent or relevance of the problem are unknown for this agriculturally important region. Especially dry soil surface is highly prone to erosion and as drought periods are expected to become more frequent and severe with changing climate, the risk of wind erosion will increase accordingly. Living windbreaks and similar agro-forestry systems are supposed to be highly effective measures against wind erosion. In an extensive research project, multiple approaches are integrated to obtain a broad view onto the relevance of soil degradation by wind on plot scale and its regional distribution.More in detail, case studies are conducted where the soil loss by wind erosion is measured in sediment traps. Data about driving and stabilizing factors like wind speed, soil moisture, vegetation density etc. are measured in high spatial and temporal resolution. The measurements started in December 2019. Besides, wind erosion risk is modelled and mapped on regional scale applying state-of-the-art model procedures. The measurement results are used in an attempt to down-scale the model application and thus create a link to ground-truth data. Information about spatial and temporal variability of the driving factors is used for implementation of stochastic calculation procedures in a sensitivity study which determines the most relevant factors for wind erosion mitigation.The used modelling approach also includes the effects of wind shelters what enables a partly evaluation of the existing network of such elements in the Pannonian region. There, the Authority of Land Reform has been supporting and documenting the installation of wind shelters for more than 60 years. Incorporating this data base, quantitative and qualitative statements will be developed about the state of the shelter belts and their relevance concerning erosion rates. Additionally, the potential and actual value of living windbreaks will be determined with special regards to physiological and ecological characteristics, stability under future climate conditions and further ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes.