Work out erosion rate (usle) instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
The Universal Soil Loss Equation multiplies five factors: A = R K LS C P. With R = 90, K = 0.35, LS = 1.4 and combined CP = 0.25, annual loss is 11 t/ha - well above the 1-2 t/ha usually considered tolerable, and equivalent to about 0.8 mm of topsoil a year. Cover is the factor land managers can actually change.
Universal Soil Loss Equation
A = R x K x LS x C x P
Depth equivalent
mm = tonnes per hectare / (bulk density x 10)
The cover and practice factors. Residue retention, contour cultivation and terracing can cut loss by an order of magnitude.
Around 1 t/ha/yr on thin soils and up to 5-11 t/ha/yr on deep ones, judged against natural soil formation rates.