A hybrid in situ and on-screen survey to monitor gully erosion across the European Union

This study presents a hybrid approach using both in situ field surveys and on-screen image analysis to monitor gully erosion across the European Union. Leveraging the 2022 LUCAS survey data, it aims to enhance understanding of gully erosion patterns and contribute to soil health indicators under EU environmental policies. The initiative also supports the development of predictive models for erosion risk, informing land management and conservation efforts.

Gully erosion was identified at 3,116 out of nearly 400,000 survey locations, with the highest concentrations in Mediterranean regions, particularly Spain and Italy. The study found gully presence linked to specific soil textures and land uses, notably in olive orchards on sloped terrain. A machine learning model provided probabilistic maps predicting erosion risk, proving effective in highlighting vulnerable areas. This data-driven methodology enhances EU-wide soil monitoring and guides future erosion mitigation strategies.