2.2. Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE)
The Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) is an empirical model to predict
the average annual soil loss generated by rainfall impact and shallow
flow runoff. According to Farrish et al. (1993), the application of
this equation in steep slope areas has limitations. According to Hoyos
(2005); Durães and Mello (2014), Oliveira et al. (2014) and Mello et
al. (2016) the RUSLE is a more suitable model for watersheds than
USLE by providing fundamental revisions to characterize the LS topographic
factor. Thus, the main advantage is related to adjust the topographic
factor for various slope conditions, considering the
contribution from upstream to downstream areas by means of a flow
accumulation map.