Project Number: 6408-13000-023-13
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Aug 14, 2011
End Date: Aug 13, 2016

Objective:
Improve science components for the RUSLE2 conservation planning tool and facilitate incorporation of these improvements into the functional RUSLE2 model implemented by NRCS. Specifically, support implement by National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) of improved modeling of pasture, hay, and other perennial vegetations; track management effects on soil organic matter and link to sediment characteristics; develop and incorporate an ephemeral gully component; support ARS efforts to expand RUSLE2 to 2-D landscape modeling; and support NRCS implementation of this science, document science improvements.

Approach:
Incorporate into RUSLE2 the following: track changes in soil organic; effects of organic matter on eroded sediment size distribution based on literature analysis, lab, and field research; an ephemeral gully component based on an improved CREAMS approach; support implementation of new perennial vegetation science; and expand RUSLE2 to a 2-D landscape approach incorporating impacts of runoff redirection and deposition. Develop materials for National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) explaining those changes and provide implementation assistance.