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Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation - Version 2 (RUSLE2)

Last Modified: 02/10/2012

The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation - Version 2 (RUSLE2) was developed primarily to guide conservation planning, inventory erosion rates and estimate sediment delivery. Values computed by RUSLE2 are supported by accepted scientific knowledge and technical judgment, are consistent with sound principles of conservation planning, and result in good conservation plans.

Official Version NRCS RUSLE2 Program

Download current RUSLE2 Software and Database Components from the National RUSLE2 site.

This site contains the official NRCS version of RUSLE2. It is the only version of RUSLE2 to be used for official purposes by NRCS field offices. The NRCS developed and maintains the database components (climate, crop management, and soils files) on this site. These components comprise the Official NRCS RUSLE2 Database. The official NRCS RUSLE2 database is the only database to be used for official purposes by NRCS field office employees. This site also provides a user guide and training materials.

Information About RUSLE2 Technology

RUSLE2 was developed primarily to guide conservation planning, inventory erosion rates and estimate sediment delivery. Values computed by RUSLE2 are supported by accepted scientific knowledge and technical judgment, are consistent with sound principles of conservation planning, and result in good conservation plans.....

RUSLE2 Tutorial

To quickly bring NRCS field office personnel (and others) up to speed with RUSLE2, a tutorial has been developed. It is designed to run on Windows 98 and later, using the Internet Explorer 5.0 browser or later. The tutorial combines photos, audio, and short video clips, and covers four areas: 1-Basic erosion processes, 2-How climate, environment, and management affect erosion, 3-Making a simple RUSLE2 erosion calculation, and 4-Comparing alternative management options in RUSLE2.

Supporting Documentation and Procedures for Maryland

The following documents require Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft Word

Document Title PDF
RUSLE2 Handbook - This Handbook describes RUSLE2, its factors, selection of input values and meanings, to compute its factor values, and application of RUSLE2. It provides detailed information on the mathematical equations used in RUSLE2, input parameters, input values, how to obtain them, and how to interpret output. (PDF; 244 KB) PDF
Instructions and User Guide - provides step by step instructions (with screen shots) on downloading, installations and use of RUSLE2 for Maryland. (PDF; 4.5 MB) PDF
Set Up Guide - How to download the RUSLE2 program and set up the database for use in Maryland. (PDF; 1.23 MB) PDF
Proficiency Exercises - designed to help the user become familiar with the functions of RUSLE2. Exercises are based on Crop Management Zone 65.  
  Crop Management Zone 65 (PDF; 109 KB) PDF
  Crop Management Zone 65 - Answers - Includes all answers to CMZ 65 Exercises so user can check their work. (PDF; 15 KB) PDF
MD P-Index Exercises - When using RUSLE2 for P-Index, user should calculate soil loss based on the year that is at risk, not a multiple year cropping rotation.  
  RUSLE2 Training Exercise (PSI) DOC
  Exercise 1 Answer DOC
  Exercise 2 Answer DOC
RUSLE2 Field Data Collection Sheet - This sheet is designed to help the conservation planner capture the necessary field specific data needed to complete a RUSLE2 erosion calculation. Contains an example (PDF; 25 KB) PDF
Maryland Tillage Practice Guide - This guide is designed to provide conservation planners with a quick reference for NRCS Residue and Tillage Management Practices - No-Till/Strip-Till/Direct-Seed (Code 329), Mulch-Till (Code 345), and Residue Management - Seasonal (Code 344). (PDF; 606 KB) PDF
Tillage Equipment Identification Guide - purpose of this guide is to help you identify commonly used tillage equipment. The color photos and drawings will help facilitate communication by providing common definitions and RUSLE2 terminology with NRCS and our customers. (PDF; 7 MB) PDF
How to Develop a Multi-Year Crop Rotation "The Easy Way" - step-by-step instruction on developing multi-year crop rotations for RUSLE2. (PDF; 985 KB) PDF
How to Modify a Multi-Year Crop Rotation - step-by-step instruction on modifying multi-year crop rotations for RUSLE2. (PDF; 495 KB) PDF

 

Contact

Peg Althoff, Ph.D
Conservation Agronomist
Email: peg.althoff@md.usda.gov
Phone: 443-482-2936

Tansel Hudson
State Resource Conservationist (Acting)
Phone: 443.482.2929
Email: tansel.hudson@md.usda.gov

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