What is RUSLE2 ?

Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation, Version 2
Estimates soil loss from rill and interrill erosion caused by rainfall and overland flow

RUSLE2
Major revision of RUSLE1
New graphical interface
Most RUSLE1 relationships revised

RUSLE2 Features
Daily calculation of time-varying factors
(r, k, ls, c, p)
Developed & tested by experienced and nationally recognized erosion scientists and conservationists.

RUSLE2 Features
Intended to describe main effects
Intended to be used as a guide for conservation planning
Intended to represent trends demonstrated in field data
Not intended to be a precise estimator
of soil loss or residue cover

Validation of RUSLE2
10,000 plot-years of data from natural runoff plots
2000 plot-years of rainfall simulator data
Proven by more than 4 decades of worldwide use by its predecessors, USLE and RUSLE1

RUSLE2 Uses
Conservation Planning
Inventories
Estimating Sediment Production

Applicable Land Uses
Cropland Grazing Land
Disturbed forestland Construction
Mined land Reclaimed land
Landfills Military land
Other areas where surface overland flow occurs because rainfall exceeds infiltration

RUSLE2
Most powerful and easy-to-use
erosion prediction tool available
for use in conservation planning
at the field office level

Why implement RUSLE2?
In 1998, NRCS made decision to have new erosion prediction technology in place in time for 2002 Farm Bill

RUSLE2 Implementation
National Instruction for implementation released in OCT 2002
Application of RUSLE2 for USDA Farm Programs similar to RUSLE1

RUSLE2 Implementation
Defined
Full implementation means –
Program loaded on field office computers
Databases loaded
Trained field office staff
Using for conservation planning

Implementation Timeline
1998-1999:  Develop Technology        for testing
2000:  Testing by NRCS
2001:  Develop supporting Databases
             Train State erosion specialists
2002-2003:  Implementation in all field     offices where erosion is concern

Supporting Databases
Developed at National Level –
Crops Residues,
Field Operations, Climate
Soils Support Practices
Developed at State Office Level –
Crop Management Scenarios
Developed at Field Office Level -
(None)

Field Office User
Selects –
Location (climate)
Soil map unit component
Slope length and steepness
Crop Management (Use Rotation Builder to develop rotation)
Supporting Practices

Training Field Office Staff
Tools Available -
Tutorial
PowerPoint Presentations
User’s Guides
Hands-On Training Time
One (1) day

The end - implementation overview