How to Calculate Soil Erosion
What is Soil Erosion?
Soil erosion rates depend on slope, rainfall, vegetation cover, and soil properties. Excessive erosion reduces productivity and causes sedimentation.
Formula
R = rainfall erosivity, K = soil erodibility, L/S = slope factors, C = cover, P = practice factors
- R
- rainfall erosivity — rainfall erosivity
- K
- soil erodibility — soil erodibility
- L
- slope factors — slope factors
- S
- slope factors — slope factors
- C
- cover — cover
- P
- practice factors — practice factors
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE): A = R × K × L × S × C × P
- 2R = rainfall erosivity, K = soil erodibility, L/S = slope factors, C = cover, P = practice factors
- 3Units: tonnes/hectare/year; 0.5-10 typical; >5 considered excessive
Worked Examples
Input
Bare slope, R=100, K=0.5, LS=2, C=1, P=1
Result
A = 100 tonnes/ha/year (severe erosion)
Vegetation urgently needed
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Ignoring erosion impact until productivity loss evident
- ✕Assuming grade alone predicts erosion (vegetation crucial)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does vegetation prevent erosion?
Roots bind soil, canopy reduces raindrop impact, litter protects surface. 90%+ cover reduces erosion dramatically.
Is soil erosion always bad?
Slight erosion natural, but excessive causes loss of fertile topsoil, sedimentation, and productivity decline.
Ready to calculate? Try the free Soil Erosion Calculator
Try it yourself →