RUSLE2 Training

The cost for participating in this hands-on workshop will be $225.  Participants are eligible for up to 12 Continuing Education Credits (CEUs).  There will be a minimum of 25 attendees per workshop.  Please contact John Hassell at 765-494-6956 or email taylor@ctic.purdue.edu for sponsorship opportunities.  Sponsors will receive one free registration. 

The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE2) is a computer model containing both empirical and process-based science in a Windows environment that predicts rill and interrill erosion by rainfall and runoff.  The USDA-Agricultural Research Service (ARS) was the lead agency in development of the RUSLE2 model.  The model is used by conservation agencies such as the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, private consultants and contractors as a tool for planning conservation and natural resource management systems.  RUSLE2 is considered by many to be the most powerful and easy-to-use erosion prediction tool available for use in conservation planning at the field level.

RUSLE2 is a tool for predicting soil loss from rainfall and runoff, as well as a field-tested tool for developing conservation plans for evaluating best management practices.  Knowledge gained from this training will help participants when dealing with water erosion and other natural resource and environmental issues.  Completion of this training will enhance the professional development of participants.

 

In addition to erosion estimates, RUSLE2 model provides the user with additional resource information important in conservation planning.  For example, in addition to an estimate of the soil loss for conservation planning, RUSLE2 provides estimates of:

  • Sediment delivery
  • Surface residue cover after each operation
  • Soil Conditioning Index
  • Soil Tillage Intensity Rating (STIR)
  • Water erosion on irrigated land
  • Additional outputs that are useful to those with expert knowledge of RUSLE2.

 

Objectives of the RUSLE2 Training

  • Demonstrate the computer program
  • Demonstrate how RUSLE2 can be used for conservation planning for various land use applications
  • Explain how to use RUSLE2 through hands-on training
  • Review the databases and their inputs, and explain how parameter values are collected, measured and estimated

 

At the end of this training session, participants will have sufficient technical information, skill and experience to make RUSLE2 erosion estimates, and successfully run Soil Conditioning Index (SCI) estimates for use in conservation planning at the field level.

 

RUSLE2 Training Course: (One-day session, consisting of hands-on computer training.)

General outline –

  • Erosion Science & Technology
  • Demonstration of official version
  • RUSLE2 Hands-On Training
  • Skill Development, Exercises
  • Databases and their inputs - how parameter values are collected, measured and estimated
  • Applications for conservation planning for various land use applications
  • Applications for construction sites and highly disturbed lands
  • Additional tools imbedded in RUSLE2 – Soil Conditioning Index, Soil Tillage Intensity Rating (STIR), Irrigation affects, Phosphorus Index.

 

In addition to computer training, participants will learn:

·        Determining Slope and Slope Length in the Field

·        Developing Alternative Conservation Systems for a field

·        Explanation of the Northwest Wheat and Range Region (where applicable)

·        Rock Cover in RUSLE2 (where applicable)

 

 

 

 

Pre-Workshop Instructions

 

  1. Participants should bring their own laptop computers.
    • Laptops with Windows XP, Windows 2000 and Windows NT are the better options.

 

  1. Participants should load the RUSLE2 program on their laptops prior to attending the Training Workshop.

 

    • Click on Download File under the heading RUSLE2 Program File in the left column.
    • Open the file, INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLING A NEW VERSION OF RUSLE2.doc.  After reviewing the instructions, install the program per instructions.

 

  1. Participants should view the RUSLE2 Tutorial prior to attending the Training Workshop.

 

    • Click on Tutorial under the heading Training Materials in the left column.

 

    • Caution: Depending on your connection, downloading the tutorial will require several hours over a standard 56K modem, or on the order of an hour using ISDN. A DSL, cable, or T1 connection may reduce the time required to as little as several minutes.

 

  1. A mouse and mouse pad are helpful items to bring along with your laptop.

 

  1. A CD containing a training database will be made available to the participants at the Workshop.  If your laptop is not equipped with a CD drive, contact Glenn Weesies (gweesies@comcast.net) to arrange for another method of loading the database on your computer.

 

Biographical Sketch of Instructors:

 

Dr. David L. Schertz lives in Deland, FL and is retired from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).  Prior to his 2003 retirement, he worked in field and State office positions and as the first NRCS/ARS liaison at the National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory, West Lafayette, Indiana.  Dave served as National Agronomist in Washington DC for 17 years prior to his retirement.  As National Agronomist, he had agency responsibility for wind and water erosion prediction technology used by the NRCS, and directed the NRCS implementation of RUSLE1 and RUSLE2.  He has been involved in training activities throughout his career in NRCS.  He led the Crop Residue Management Marketing Program from 1990 to1993.  He has participated in numerous training sessions promoting the use of RUSLE2 technology, continuous no-till, and the importance of Core 4 Conservation, soil quality, and overall conservation planning. 

 

Dave continues to work as a conservation consultant promoting the use of continuous no-till and RUSLE2 training.

 

Mr. Glenn A. Weesies lives in the Indianapolis, IN area and is retired from the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).  Prior to his 2004 retirement, he served as a conservation agronomist and cooperating scientist at the National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory (NSERL) at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. 

 

During his 18 years at the NSERL, he represented his agency as a member of the USDA RUSLE Development Team.  Glenn helped lead a national effort by his agency, NRCS, to implement RUSLE (version 1) in his agency’s 2600 field offices during the period 1992-1995; and then led a similar effort in 2002-2004 to implement RUSLE2.  Glenn has conducted numerous RUSLE1 and RUSLE2 training sessions throughout the United States and 17 international training sessions during this period.

 

Glenn continues to work as a consultant in areas of soil conservation and RUSLE2 training.  He is also developing environmental education programs for youth and family camps.