Influence of LS Factor Overestimation Soil Loss on RUSLE Model for Complex Topographies

Soil loss is a crucial problem due to its importance in agricultural and livestock production, where intensive human activities have exacerbated erosive processes. In this framework, the RUSLE model emerges as a crucial tool for soil loss estimation, with the LS factor being a central component of the model. However, several research studies have shown that an inadequate selection of LS can overestimate soil erosion in complex topographies. This study assesses the overestimation of the RUSLE (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation) model by slope length and steepness factor, focusing on a complex terrain characterized by abrupt changes in elevation and slope. Seven divergent equations were used to evaluate the LS factor and compared with the results of the RUSLE model. The findings revealed that the models proposed by Desmet and Govers and Moore and Brusch proved best suited to terrain with such characteristics, avoiding over-estimation. The meticulous selection of the LS model was highlighted as a crucial aspect, underlining the importance of an accurate methodology in soil loss measuring in topographically complex environments. This study contributes to the understanding and improvement of erosion models, providing valuable guidelines to address soil loss overestimation by LS-Factor.