Soil surveillance in the canton of Berne (Switzerland) – first results

The presented, GIS-based model classifies the loss of phosphorus due to surface runoff in agricultural ecosystems. The proposed modelling approach employs the following fundamental data: a detailed soil map, a map on land use, and the digital elevation model. The required maps and a voluminous data base was available for the Lippenrütibach basin, where the model was developed. The calculations performed produce not absolute but relative values and evaluate the potential risk for a parcel of leached phosphorus and the resulting eutrophication in relate aquatic systems. T e obtained results are promising when comparing them with field investigations on different sites of the catchment area.