A Robust Estimate of the R-Factor for the Universal Soil Loss Equation

Abstract

Mean monthly precipitation data from 29 sites in southeastern Australia were used to estimate the R-factor in the Universal Soil Loss Equation. The relationship between mean annual precipitation and the R-factor is very good (r2 = 0.91) and shows a remarkable similarity to that for the continental United States, suggesting a universal nature of this relationship for possible worldwide application. Use of the Modified Fournier Index does not significantly improve the R-factor estimation relation.