ARS | Publication request: RUSLE GUIDEBOOK

Submitted to: Latah Soil and Water Conservation District Guidebook
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: January 2, 1997
Publication Date: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Benefits from over 65 years of soil erosion research can be realized only when findings are applied as sound practices on the farm, ranch and other erosion-prone areas. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation includes results of these studies integrated into a computer model that producers and conservation planners can use to make local management decisions. The RUSLE Guidebook provides background and explanation of the factors for climate, soils, topography, crop management and erosion control practices considered by RUSLE. It enables the producer to make on-farm management decisions that minimize soil erosion.

Technical Abstract: Benefits from over 65 years of soil erosion research can be realized only when the findings are applied as sound practices on the farm, ranch and other erosion-prone areas. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) includes documented research and data analysis that producers and conservation planners can use to make local management decisions. The RUSLE program development and explains each factor involved in the equation. It introduces the producer to an easy, accurate method of predicting the average rate of soil erosion for each of various alternative combinations of cropping systems, management techniques, and erosion control practices on any particular site. The Guidebook provides guidance so the producer can use the RUSLE program to make and repeat on-farm management decisions that minimize soil erosion.