The aim of this research was to analyse the changes in the soil erosion intensity caused by erosion control works (ECW) in Grdelica Gorge (The South Morava River) in the period between 1953 and 2016. For the purpose of quantifying the erosion intensity changes, the erosion potential model (EPM) was used to calculate the annual gross erosion (W), sediment transport (G), and erosion coefficient (Z) in the study area. As a result of the performed technical and biotechnical erosion control works, there was a general decreasing trend in the intensity of soil erosion processes in the last 63 years. The specific annual gross erosion in Grdelica Gorge was 1920.34 m³/km⁻²/year⁻¹ in 1953, while in 2016 it was 492.42 m³/km⁻²/year⁻¹. The specific sediment transport was 1421.05 m³/km⁻²/year⁻¹ in 1953 and 364.39 m³/km⁻²/year⁻¹ in 2016. Due to the changes in the intensity of erosion processes, the specific annual gross erosion in the study area decreased by 1427.92 m³/km⁻²/year⁻¹ and the specific sediment transport by 1056.66 m³/km⁻²/year⁻¹. The value of the erosion coefficient was reduced from Z = 0.84 in 1953 to Z = 0.32 in 2016. The results show that there is a significant correlation between the soil erosion intensity (erosion coefficient) and ECW (biotechnical works) performed in Grdelica Gorge. The permanent control of erosion processes in Grdelica Gorge is very important for torrential flood prevention and protection of two very important traffic routes (Belgrade-Skopje-Athens railway and motorway—Corridor X), as well as settlements, local roads, and other facilities in this area. Furthermore, these results are the basis for future water mana­gement projects, soil and environmental protection, spatial planning, agriculture, and other human activities.

Soil erosion caused by natural or anthropogenic factors represents a widespread problem with a range of negative environmental consequences. Various measures and works are being carried out to mitigate and prevent the direct and indirect effects of erosion. These actions often cannot be implemented in a whole region prone to erosion due to limited financial or human resources. Therefore, identifying the area that requires particular attention for conservation is necessary. The objective of this paper was to determine the most vulnerable areas (sub-watersheds) to soil erosion in the Topčiderska River Watershed, located in northern Serbia, using available data: land use, soil characteristics, and mean watershed slope. Using such multi-criteria decision analysis methods as analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), the most vulnerable sub-watersheds were determined for three different scenarios. The results show a strong correlation between the ranking based on AHP method and TOPSIS method. It is observed that the most vulnerable sub-watersheds are characterized by the significant presence of arable land and very steep slope and thus have priority for conservation.

The aim of this research was to analyze the impact of implemented erosion control works (ECW) on soil erosion intensity in the watershed of the Ćelije reservoir (Rasina River) in the period between 1968 and 2022. The Erosion Potential Method was used to calculate the annual gross erosion (W), sediment transport (G), and erosion coefficient (Z) in the study area. As a result of the performed ECW there was a general decreasing trend in the intensity of soil erosion processes in the last 54 years. The specific annual gross erosion was 1189.12 m³/km⁻²/year⁻¹ in 1968, while in 2022 it was 554.20 m³/km⁻²/year⁻¹. The specific sediment transport was 540.18 m³/km⁻²/year⁻¹ in 1968 and 253.55 m³/km⁻²/year⁻¹ in 2022. Due to the changes in the intensity of erosion processes, the specific annual gross erosion decreased by 634.92 m³/km⁻²/year⁻¹ and the specific sediment transport decreased by 286.63 m³/km⁻²/year⁻¹. The erosion coefficient was reduced from Z = 0.62 to Z = 0.35. A dependence between the slope of siltation and the natural bed slope was defined. The results show a significant correlation between erosion intensity and performed ECW, providing a basis for future watershed management and defining a strategy for soil erosion control in the Ćelije reservoir watershed.