Predicting RUSLE (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation) monthly erosivity index from readily available rainfall data in Mediterranean area

Seasonal rainerosivity is important in the structure and dynamics of Mediterranean ecosystems. The present paper contributes to the quantitative assessment of RUSLE's monthly erosion index in a data-scarce Mediterranean region. Therefore, a regionalized relationship for estimating monthly erosion index (EI 30-month) from only three rainfall parameters has been obtained. Knowledge of the seasonal and annual distribution of erosivity index, permit soil and water conservationists to make improved designs for erosion control, water harvesting or small hydraulic structures. Although a few long data sets were used in the analysis, validation with established monthly erosivity index values from other Italian locations, suggest that the model presented (r 2 = 0.973) is robust. It is recommended to monthly erosivity estimates when experimental data-scarce rainfall become available. © 2005 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.