Journal of Environmental Quality · 1993 · 165 citations · 0 references
Natural SciencesEarth SciencesSoil SciencesHydrologic ModelingSoil ScienceWater Resources EngineeringErosionHydrologic Data AnalysisHydrological ModelingSoil ErosionSoil-water BalanceErosion Model CalibrationField Data CollectionHydrogeological ModelingRevised Universal Soil Loss EquationSoil Erosion ModellingSoil Erosion PredictionSoil Loss EstimationSoil Loss Modeling
Abstract Water quality modeling generally requires estimates of the amount of eroded material entering water courses. This information is necessary because sediment often transports adsorbed chemicals. Numerous models have been developed to assist with assessment of this problem. These models often contain some modification of the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE). A recently initiated effort to improve USLE technology has produced a computer‐based model, RUSLE (Revised USLE), which employs new relationships to estimate values of the six factors in the equation. Three input databases are required: climatic data, crop data, and field operations data. Although numerous specific entries for these data are contained in the program, in many cases users must supplement or modify the supplied data. Results of a sensitivity analysis help users tailoring the databases to specific conditions.