WEPP-Predicting water erosion using a process-based model

Abstract

In 1940, A. W. Zingg published an equation expressing the effect of slope steepness and length on soil erosion, to be followed a year later by D. D. Smith's paper (1941) that included a conservation practice factor and a tolerable soil loss limit based on the loss of soil fertility. This research began a scientific approach to managing a tract of land so that erosion was less than some tolerable amount. This technology was further developed by the addition of a soil factor by Browning et al. (1947) and by the Musgrave equation (1947). In 1961, the Universal Soil Loss Equation was released, followed by revisions in 1965 and 1978. In 1992, RUSLE-The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (Renard et al. 1991, 1997) was released. In 1993, RUSLE was implemented by NRCS. A Window-based RUSLE, with a graphical user interface is planned for release in 1997.WEPP is a project to develop a fundamentally based soil erosion prediction technology. It was initiated in 1985, included a strong research program to develop specific technology needed for WEPP, and was organized around a team of research scientists and user agency personnel. WEPP includes the products of 25 ARS