In the RUSLE model, which factor is most typically determined by site-specific conditions rather than from regional maps?

In the RUSLE model, which factor is most typically determined by site-specific conditions rather than from regional maps?

• A. K
• B. LS
• C. C
• D. R

Answer: (C)

The factor that accounts for how ground cover and management protect soil from erosion is determined by site-specific conditions. This cover-management factor reflects the actual vegetation cover, crop residues, tillage, and residue management at a particular field, which can vary greatly from one site to another and over time. Because of this direct dependence on current land cover and practices, it is usually set from on-site observations and management details rather than from broad regional maps. In contrast, rainfall erosivity (R) comes from climate data and regional rainfall patterns, soil erodibility (K) depends on soil properties that are typically captured in regional soil maps, and the slope-length-and-steepness factor (LS) derives from terrain data such as digital elevation models. These factors are more readily estimated from regional or landscape-scale information, whereas the cover-management factor requires site-level specifics.

The factor that accounts for how ground cover and management protect soil from erosion is determined by site-specific conditions. This cover-management factor reflects the actual vegetation cover, crop residues, tillage, and residue management at a particular field, which can vary greatly from one site to another and over time. Because of this direct dependence on current land cover and practices, it is usually set from on-site observations and management details rather than from broad regional maps.

In contrast, rainfall erosivity (R) comes from climate data and regional rainfall patterns, soil erodibility (K) depends on soil properties that are typically captured in regional soil maps, and the slope-length-and-steepness factor (LS) derives from terrain data such as digital elevation models. These factors are more readily estimated from regional or landscape-scale information, whereas the cover-management factor requires site-level specifics.