Published in Scientific Papers. Series A. Agronomy, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 2
Written by Enkelejda KUCAJ, Sherif LUSHAJ, Marilda OSMANI
Soil erosion poses a significant threat to Albania’s environment and economy, impacting agricultural productivity, food security, public health, and infrastructure. This study conducts a regional assessment of soil erosion risks, identifying the most affected areas, underlying causes, and potential mitigation strategies. According to the World Bank, approximately 70% of Albania’s land is affected by erosion, with an estimated soil loss of 20 tons per hectare per year, while only 10% remains minimally impacted. Over 60 million tons of sediment are transported to the Adriatic Sea annually, exacerbating land degradation and reducing agricultural sustainability. In regions such as Fier, where 80% of drainage systems are operational but half of the irrigation infrastructure is damaged, erosion-related flooding further deteriorates land productivity. This study integrates field measurements with geospatial analysis using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to model erosion risks and propose effective land management strategies. The findings emphasize the urgent need for sustainable land use practices, afforestation efforts, and policy interventions to mitigate erosion and preserve soil resources for future generations.
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