Example of erosion estimation on a harvest site using the USLE-Forest method
| Untilled Area | Tilled Area |
|---|---|
| CP Subfactors for minimal disturbance | CP Subfactors for disturbed soils (roads) |
| a. Bare soil and fine roots = 0.036 | a. Bare soil, residual binding, and soil reconsolidation = 0.045 |
| b. Canopy = 0.58 | b. Canopy = 0.58 |
| c. Steps = 0.93 | c. Steps = 0.93 |
| d. Onsite storage = 0.8 | d. Onsite storage = 0.8 |
| e. High organic matter content = 0.7 | e. Invading vegetation = 0.87 |
| f. Contour tillage = 1 | |
| Total CP for untilled = 0.011 | Total CP for tilled = 0.017 |
Once CP is calculated, multiply R, K, LS, and CP to get the estimated erosion value.
Estimated soil erosion for untilled soil = 200 × 0.17 × 0.379 × 0.011 = 0.142 tons/acre/year.
Estimated soil erosion for tilled soil = 200 × 0.17 × 0.379 × 0.017 = 0.22 tons/acre/year.
In this example, the tilled area had about 55% higher soil loss than the untilled area. This example shows how soil disturbance can increase erosion risk. Areas with heavy disturbance, such as roads, skid trails, and locations where topsoil has been removed, are especially vulnerable and should be carefully managed to reduce additional soil loss.
removed, are especially vulnerable and should be carefully managed to reduce additional soil loss.
Estimating and addressing soil erosion is a vital part of long-term forest soil management. With a clear understanding of erosion rates on a harvest site, effective steps can be taken to reduce soil loss. Implementing appropriate management strategies is essential to mitigate risks and protect soil health, water quality, and surrounding ecosystems. These strategies may include planting cover crops, installing erosion control structures, creating water diversion devices, or reducing the intensity of logging and other land management activities that contribute to erosion.
We thank Dr. Buddhi Gyawali and Dr. Ghanashyam Khanal for their time and review of this publication. We acknowledge the USDA Evans-Allen Project #7009863 for support of this study.
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