REVISED UNIVERSAL SOIL LOSS EQUATION

Sensitivity

ØChange in soil loss per unit change in a particular variable

ØSelect a base condition

ØVary input values for a variables about base condition

ØSensitivity varies according to condition

ØVariables with greatest sensitivity require greatest attention


	Sensitivity analysis are very useful for understanding how RUSLE2 works.
	Sensitivity can help determine the key variables in certain situations.
	Sensitivity analysis have to be conducted with considerable care because the results depend on the situation.
	For example, depth of tillage with a tandem disk may be unimportant when it follows a moldboard plow but very important if it is the first operation after harvest.
	Another example, residue cover at planting, especially for clean-tilled and mulch till systems. Varying residue cover at planting doesn’t always have as much effect as expected because of the effect of other variables over the course of the rotation.
	Many variables in RUSLE2 are interrelated, such as how yield affects soil loss.
	Nevertheless, the variables that have the greatest effect on soil loss should be considered most carefully.