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RUSLE Software

Description

Soil loss predition software which includes a suite of modules for determining soil loss. Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service): This software is used to predict the amount of sediment erosion that may occur at any site disturbed by man-made construction. It uses the soil-type information and slope configurations and applies them to standard mathematical formulas.

These erosion prediction technologies, which are referred to as erosion models, are widely used to estimate rates of soil erosion caused by rainfall and associated overland flow. RUSLE1 and RUSLE2 are used by governmental agencies around the world to assess and inventory erosion to assist public policy development. Both RUSLE1 and RUSLE2 are land-use independent and can be used on cropland, disturbed forestland, rangeland, construction sites, mined land, reclaimed land, military training grounds, landfills, waste disposal sites, and other lands where rainfall and its associated overland flow cause soil erosion. (modified from Vendor Description)

Software Download

  • Compatibility: SEDCAD 4 is compatible with and uses RUSLE 1.06.
  • Software is available at: USDA RUSLE Website

Software Capacity

  • Evaluate potential soil loss under varying slope configurations, vegetation cover, and management practices (Reclamation Plan, PHC evaluation).
  • Compare and evaluate the effectiveness of different erosion control measures and subsequent reclamation plans.
  • Evaluate different hill slope configurations (concave, convex, uniform, complex).
  • Account for erosion control or erosion reduction impacts of various soil covers.
  • Evaluate mulch decomposition impacts on soil consolidation, roughness, and sediment deposition over time and due to rainfall.
  • Perform analyses associated with permitting and bond release through comparison of pre and post mining scenarios.

For Specific Users

Biologists

  • Evaluate potential soil loss under varying vegetation cover, and management practices (Reclamation Plan).
  • Compare and evaluate the effectiveness of different erosion control measures and subsequent reclamation plans.
  • Evaluate different hill slop configurations (concave, convex, uniform, complex).
  • Account for erosion control or erosion reduction impacts of various soil covers.
  • Evaluate mulch decomposition impacts on soil consolidation, roughness, and sediment deposition over time and due to rainfall.
  • Perform analyses associated with permitting and bond release through comparison of pre and post mining scenarios.

Hydrologists

  • Evaluate potential soil loss under varying moisture, and management practices (PHC evaluation).
  • Evaluate sediment pond inputs due to different hill slope configurations (concave, convex, uniform, complex).
  • Account for erosion inputs to stream channels.
  • Evaluate mulch decomposition impacts on soil infiltration over time and due to rainfall.
  • Perform analyses associated with permitting and bond release through comparison of pre and post mining scenarios.

Soil Scientists

  • Evaluate potential soil loss under varying slop configurations, and management practices (Reclamation Plan).
  • Compare and evaluate the effectiveness of different erosion control measures and subsequent reclamation plans.
  • Evaluate different hill slope configurations (concave, convex, uniform, complex).
  • Account for erosion control or erosion reduction impacts of various soil covers.
  • Evaluate mulch decomposition impacts on soil consolidation, roughness, and sediment deposition over time and due to rainfall.
  • Perform analyses associated with permitting and bond release through comparison or pre and post mining scenarios.

For More Information

Contact Kristin Brown (kbrown2@osmre.gov); (303) 236-3410