Sensitivity Analysis of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation’s Rainfall Erosivity Factor (R-Factor)
Abstract
The Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan (ESCP) is undoubtedly useful for mitigation of soil erosion at construction sites and agricultural areas. However, the ESCP computational factors of the Manual Saliran Mesra Alam 2nd Edition (MSMA 2) are only for application in the Peninsula, and such factors are not available for Sarawak and Sabah. This research aims to carry out the sensitivity analysis of the R-Factor of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE). In this research, a study site was identified, and the actual equatorial characteristics of the study area were used as inputs. The Sensitivity analysis were carried out within specific typical equatorial rainfall intensities of 2,000-6,000 mm/yr. Based on the findings, it is found that the degree of sensitiveness of R factor 0.34%. The findings could be used as supplementary information for Sarawak Urban Stormwater Management (SUStoM) for a development project. By knowing the sensitiveness of R-factor of the study area, the same methodology can be applied to achieve better outcomes of reduction in soil loss for a better environmental quality in Sarawak.
Keywords:Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), Equatorial Characteristics, Rainfall Erosivity Factor (R), Annual Soil Loss, Sensitivity Analysis.
