Universal soil loss equation, a need for modification

Conference · Sat Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · Univ. Ky., Off. Eng. Serv., (Bull.); (United States)

OSTI ID:5287989

Pazwash, H

A number of formulae have been proposed to estimate the rate of soil erosion which is a major environmental problem man is facing today. Among these, the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE), presented by the US Department of Agriculture, has been used more extensively than any others. This equation contains several factors which account for rainfall erosive energy, land slope-length effect, cropping management, erosion control practice and most important of all, soil erodibility. Calculation of the rate of soil erosion, from an area, by the universal equation requires that all the factor values be determined. In practice, these are estimated by using charts or tables which have been prepared for design. For example, the soil erodibility factor is determined by a nomograph which shows the factor as a function of percent silt, percent organic matter, a qualitative description of soil structure, and soil permeability. The procedure is very subjective because it neglects many soil properties and environmental conditions which have been found to affect the soil erosion. Thus, the application of the USLE to major projects is too simplistic and may lead to completely erroneous design. This paper discusses the limitations of the equation, indicates a need for its modification and offers recommendations for future studies for a better evaluation of the erosion process.

• Research Organization: Northeastern Univ., Boston, MA
• OSTI ID: 5287989
• Report Number(s): CONF-841204-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Univ. Ky., Off. Eng. Serv., (Bull.); (United States)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AGRICULTURE
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
EROSION
FORECASTING
INDUSTRY
LAND POLLUTION ABATEMENT
LAND RESOURCES
MASS TRANSFER
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MECHANICS
MINING
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
POLLUTION
POLLUTION ABATEMENT
RESOURCE CONSERVATION
RUNOFF
SOIL CONSERVATION
SOIL MECHANICS
SOILS
SURFACE MINING
US DOA
US ORGANIZATIONS
WATER POLLUTION