Soil Erosion Calculator

Estimate annual soil loss using the Universal Soil Loss Equation based on rainfall, soil type, slope, and cover.

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MJ*mm/ha/hr/yr
ton*hr/MJ/mm

Annual Soil Loss

2.88 tons/ha/year

Annual Soil Loss per Acre1.17 tons/acre/year
vs Soil Tolerance (5 t/ha)58 %
With Best Practices (P=0.3)1.08 tons/ha/year

Annual Soil Loss vs Rainfall Erosivity (R)

View formula & how it works →

How to Calculate Soil Erosion (USLE)

The Universal Soil Loss Equation estimates average annual soil erosion.

Formula

A = R * K * LS * C * P

  • R = Rainfall erosivity
  • K = Soil erodibility (sandy=0.02, loam=0.03, clay=0.04)
  • LS = Slope length and steepness (flat=0.5, moderate=2, steep=5+)
  • C = Cover management (forest=0.01, grass=0.1, bare=1.0)
  • P = Conservation practice (none=1.0, contour=0.5, terracing=0.1)

    • Soil loss tolerance is typically 5 tons/ha/year for sustainable agriculture.

    Example Calculation

    Farmland with R=200, K=0.03, LS=2, C=0.3 (row crops), P=0.8 (minimal conservation).

    1. 01Soil loss: 200 * 0.03 * 2 * 0.3 * 0.8 = 2.88 tons/ha/year
    2. 02Per acre: 2.88 / 2.471 = 1.17 tons/acre/year
    3. 03vs tolerance: 2.88 / 5 * 100 = 58% of limit
    4. 04With best practices (P=0.3): 200 * 0.03 * 2 * 0.3 * 0.3 = 1.08 tons/ha/year

    Frequently Asked Questions

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