Slope steepness effects on soil loss from disturbed lands

ABSTRACT THERE was close agreement between observed slope steepness effect on soil loss from disturbed lands and that predicted by the USLE slope steepness factors in two categories: (a) for slopes less than 4 m in length, and (b) for slopes greater than 4 m in length but less than 9% steepness. For slopes greater than 4 m in length and between 9 and 33% steepness, the USLE tended to over estimate the observed slope steepness effect. A slope steepness factor equation for this slope range was developed which provides a range of slope steepness factors for a given slope corresponding to the range of slope steepness effects that have been observed experimentally.