Evaluating modified rainfall erosivity factors in the Universal Soil Loss Equation

Throughout the years, the Universal Soil Loss Equation (LISLE) has undergone numerous modifications and revisions to enhance its ability to estimate soil loss caused by erosion in agricultural lands. Yet, there is still a considerable amount of uncertainty surrounding the use of the LISLE as well as some of its modifications. This research examines the prediction capabilities of two very similar modifications that were made to the USLE's rainfall erosivity (R) factor; they are termed the Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE) and the Onstad-Foster Equation. The efficiency of these two modifications will be evaluated by comparing the actual erosion data that was retrieved from the field site to the erosion data that was simulated using the Erosion Productivity Impact Calculator (EPIC) Model. This experiment, which is being conducted at the Winfred A. Thomas Agricultural Research Station in Hazel Green, Alabama aims to enhance our understanding, estimation, and prediction of the soil erosion process.