Agricultural Sciences
Soil Science
1965
AdvancedUniversal Soil Loss Equation
Predicts annual soil loss from rainfall, soil erodibility, slope, cover, and conservation practices.
By Wischmeier, Smith
Agricultural Sciences
Universal Soil Loss Equation
1965 · Wischmeier
Why it matters: Quantified soil loss, driving contour farming, cover crops, and no-till adoption.
Discoverers: Wischmeier, Smith (1965)
What does it mean?
Predicts annual soil loss from rainfall, soil erodibility, slope, cover, and conservation practices.
Why should I care?
Quantified soil loss, driving contour farming, cover crops, and no-till adoption.
Variables & Units
| Symbol | Name | Unit | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soil loss | — | t/ha·yr | |
| Rainfall erosivity | — | MJ·mm/ha·h·yr | |
| Soil erodibility | — | t·h/MJ·mm | |
| Slope factor | — | Dimensionless | |
| Cover | — | 0–1 | |
| Practice factor | — | 0–1 |
Worked Example
Cover crop (low C) on steep slope (high LS) dramatically cuts A.
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Universal Soil Loss Equation
Real-world impact
Precision agriculture
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Photo: Unsplash — precision farming
Predicts annual soil loss from rainfall, soil erodibility, slope, cover, and conservation practices.
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