ASSESSMENT OF SOIL EROSION INTENSITY IN THE KUTINSKA RIVER BASIN IN THE PERIOD 1971-2016

Soil erosion assessment plays an important role in the conservation of natural resources because soil degradation is a major problem in many parts of the world. This study explains the links between changes in arable land areas, rural population dynamics and soil erosion intensity. The Erosion Potential Method was used to determine spatial changes in erosion intensity and annual sediment yield in the Kutinska River Basin, Serbia. The analysis of proportional changes was used to determine demographic changes and arable land areas-land use patterns in the basin area. The period of the research is 1971-2016. During the research period, it was determined that there was a decrease in the soil erosion intensity and sediment yield as a consequence of land use changes, primarily due to the reduction of arable land areas, abandonment of arable land by the agricultural population, which caused economic and social changes. Land use changes have been identified as the most important factor in reducing the intensity of soil erosion in the basin. Results of research are the basis for water management, soil and environmental protection measures, argiculture and other human activities.