Location: Watershed Physical Processes Research
Project Number: 6060-13000-029-051-A
Project Type: Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Oct 1, 2025
End Date: Nov 30, 2026
Objective:
This agreement between the Middle Tennessee State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), aims to continue maintaining the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (Version 2) (RUSLE2) for NRCS use and to develop a new RUSLE2 web-based application for conservation planners. The RUSLE2 software is currently being updated to enhance erosion estimates and usability, including the development of a web-based tool to facilitate access for agency staff and the public. This will directly benefit producers by providing reliable soil erosion estimations essential for HELC compliance, resource concern assessment, and practice development for USDA programs. The primary objective is to maintain the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (Version 2) for NRCS use. Additional objectives include continuing: 1. maintenance (such as addressing issues related to changing CEC definitions), 2. programming, and 3. debugging of RUSLE2 for NRCS purposes. Modifying RUSLE2 to a web-based application to consume Land Operations Management Database (LMOD) and other web-based data will ensure that the planner can get the same answer for a simple situation from both the stand-alone and web-based RUSLE2, and that the stand-alone RUSLE2 will use the same, up-to-date management data in more complicated situations that is available to NRCS planners.
Approach:
Under the terms of this agreement, Middle Tennessee State University will work with USDA-ARS, along with assistance from the other members of the RUSLE2 team (Clemson University and the University of Tennessee), to address bug removal and provide additional support for both the stand-alone and web app versions of RUSLE2. The priority of deliverables will be determined by the NRCS National
Agronomist. These deliverables will include the tasks listed below where the RUSLE2 team will work to follow the guidance of NRCS (Giulio Ferruzzi/Kate Glanville).
The framework supporting the development of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation, Version 2 (RUSLE2), incorporates
elements of a comprehensive research plan that involves further development of RUSLE2 technology through the following
tasks:
RUSLE2 team tasks to be completed:
Task 1. Provide bug fix support to release new stand-alone versions of RUSLE2, address identified bugs associated with new
releases of the NRCS RUSLE2 (with or without code enhancements), and resolve other issues that may appear after
deployment.
Task 2. Continue developing 2D functionality (i.e., RUSLE2D and EphGEE) for both the stand-alone and web app versions of
RUSLE2.
Task 3. Train key NRCS personnel on both the stand-alone and web app versions of NRCS RUSLE2.
RUSLE2 team tasks to be performed continually during this agreement:
Task 4. Provide ongoing technical support to NRCS, including bug repairs or other issues related to the RUSLE2 model that
arise due to new code implemented under this contract.
Task 5. Keep the responsible NRCS personnel informed of any changes to the RUSLE2 model.
Task 6. Support both the stand-alone and web app versions of RUSLE2.