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Forestry Sciences Laboratory - Moscow, Idaho
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Soil & Water
Engineering Publications


Project Leader:
William J. Elliot
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Database updated
834 days ago

Comparing RUSLE to WEPP cropland and rangeland formats

Elliot, W.J. 2001. Comparing RUSLE to WEPP Cropland and Rangeland Formats. Presented January 3-5, 2000, Honolulu, HI. In: Ascough II, J.C.; Flanagan, D.C., eds. Soil erosion for the 21st century: proceedings of the international symposium. St. Joseph, MI: ASAE. 388-391. ASAE Pub. No. 701P0007.

Keywords: Erosion models, Modeling, Rangeland, RUSLE, WEPP

Links: pdf PDF [147k]


Abstract: Rangeland runoff and erosion rates are highly dependent on the type and amount of vegetative cover as well as climate and topography. Three rangeland erosion prediction models--RUSLE, WEPP for rangelands, and FS WEPP for rangelands--were compared to observed sedimentation rates on five small southeastern Colorado watersheds. RUSLE and the FS WEPP interface gave predictions similar to the observed values for sedimentation. The WEPP rangeland templates underpredicted erosion and overpredicted runoff. Both versions of WEPP were able to predict runoff as a function of upland topography and vegetation, making future development of more complex rangeland watershed sedimentation prediction feasible.

Moscow FSL publication no. 2001f