Assessment and Maping Soil Erosion Riskin the Watershed of Sedelska River

The geographical features of Bulgaria such as steep slopes, rugged terrain, andunregulated forest activities, and easily susceptible to erosion soils are considered as main reasons for the erosion processes we observe. One of the most affected region from soil erosion in the country is the Struma River watershed. Sedelska River is one of its torrential tributaries, part of its middle reaches. On the territory of Sedelska River erosion control activities have been conducted in the past, but there are still signs of erosion in the watershed. The study aims to assess potential and actual soil erosion risk in forest territories and to determine the spatial distribution of them. The total assessment in the Sedelska River is “low to moderate” potential soil erosion risk and “very low to low” actual soil erosion risk. Part of the territories, mainly around the first grade tributaries are with “moderate to strong” risk of erosion, which showedthe prerequisite for bank erosion in the watershed and the need for sustainable management practices.