Tools for USLE-CP-factor calculation and actual erosion risk on field block level for Switzerland

Bircher, P.; Liniger, H. P.; Kupferschmied, P.; Prasuhn, V. (2021). Tools for USLE-CP-factor calculation and actual erosion risk on field block level for Switzerland. MethodsX, 8, p. 101569. Elsevier 10.1016/j.mex.2021.101569

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The calculation of the cover management factor (C-factor) and support practices factor (P-factor) is an important element in the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE). In Switzerland, a potential soil erosion risk map of arable land and a field block map that represents the basis of the agriculturally used areas in the country are available. A CP-factor tool was developed adapted to Swiss agronomic and environmental conditions, which allows to calculate CP-factors easily for various crop rotations and management practices. The calculated CP-factor values can be linked to any field block in the potential soil erosion risk map to determine the actual soil erosion risk for the field block. A plausibility check with other C-factor tools showed a sound match. This user-friendly calculation makes the CP-Tool and the actual erosion risk more accessible for authorities and GIS users. With Python and QGIS as open source resources, it is also possible to easily improve the tools. Linking the two tools provides substantial added value for education and training, advising farmers and policy, as well as scientific research, and can serve as a reference for other countries.

USLE-CP-factor and actual erosion risk calculation on small scale field block level

Developed and programmed based on open source resources for further improvements

Both tools increase the knowledge of management practices for GIS- and non GIS users

Item Type:

Journal Article (Original Article)

Division/Institute:

08 Faculty of Science > Institute of Geography > Geographies of Sustainability > Unit Land Systems and Sustainable Land Management (LS-SLM)
08 Faculty of Science > Institute of Geography > Geographies of Sustainability
08 Faculty of Science > Institute of Geography
10 Strategic Research Centers > Centre for Development and Environment (CDE)

Graduate School:

International Graduate School North-South (IGS North-South)

UniBE Contributor:

Bircher, Pascal, Liniger, Hans Peter

Subjects:

900 History > 910 Geography & travel
500 Science > 550 Earth sciences & geology

ISSN:

2215-0161

Publisher:

Elsevier

Funders:

[UNSPECIFIED] Federal Office for Agriculture

Language:

English

Submitter:

Pascal Bircher

Date Deposited:

12 Nov 2021 14:34

Last Modified:

02 Mar 2023 23:35

Publisher DOI:

10.1016/j.mex.2021.101569

BORIS DOI:

10.48350/160762

URI:

https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/160762

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