Enter the soil loss in tons per acre per year and the percentage of organic matter to estimate the potential yield reduction due to erosion. The calculator will provide an estimate of the yield reduction percentage.

Erosion Productivity Impact Formula

The following formula is used to estimate the yield reduction due to soil erosion:

YR = (SL / (OM + 1)) * 0.5

Variables:

  • YR is the yield reduction (%)
  • SL is the soil loss (tons per acre per year)
  • OM is the organic matter (%)

To estimate the yield reduction, divide the soil loss by the sum of organic matter percentage plus one, then multiply by 0.5. This formula provides a simplified estimate of the impact of soil erosion on crop yield.

What is Erosion Productivity Impact?

Erosion productivity impact refers to the negative effect that soil erosion has on the productivity of agricultural land. Soil erosion can remove the topsoil, which is rich in organic matter and nutrients necessary for crop growth. This can lead to a reduction in soil quality and fertility, ultimately decreasing the yield of crops grown on the land. Understanding the potential impact of erosion on productivity is crucial for sustainable land management and conservation practices.

How to Calculate Erosion Productivity Impact?

The following steps outline how to estimate the yield reduction due to soil erosion:


  1. First, determine the soil loss (SL) in tons per acre per year.
  2. Next, determine the percentage of organic matter (OM) in the soil.
  3. Use the formula YR = (SL / (OM + 1)) * 0.5 to calculate the yield reduction (YR).
  4. Finally, interpret the yield reduction percentage to understand the potential impact on crop productivity.
  5. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem :

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Soil loss (SL) = 5 tons per acre per year

Organic matter (OM) = 3%