EPIC: A new method for assessing erosion’s effect on soil productivity

TLDR

The study aims to develop EPIC, a physically based model that simulates erosion, plant growth, and economic impacts over long time scales to evaluate management strategies across diverse U.S. soils, climates, and crops. EPIC integrates physically based modules for erosion, plant growth, and related processes with economic components to assess erosion costs and optimize management strategies.

Abstract

THE mathematical model EPIC (Erosion-Productivity Impact Calculator) was developed recently to determine the relationship between soil erosion and soil productivity in the United States (6). To accomplish this complex objective, four goals were set in the model development process. The model must be (a) physically based and capable of simulating the processes involved simultaneously and realistically using readily available inputs; (b) capable of simulating hundreds of years, if necessary, because erosion can be a relatively slow process; (c) applicable to a wide range of soils, climates, and crops encountered in the United States; and (d) efficient, convenient to use, and capable of assessing the effects of management changes on erosion and soil productivity. EPIC is composed of physically based components for simulating erosion, plant growth, and related processes. It also includes economic components for assessing the cost of erosion and determining optimal management strategies.… …