Of course, the steepness of the slope is one of the most important factors in the development of soil erosion, but far from the only one. There are many factors of erosion development. They also include the shape, exposure and length of slopes, the type of crop rotations and crops, the direction of slope treatment, the degree of erosion, the physical and chemical composition of soils. Climatic factors play an important role: The amount of precipitation, its frequency and intensity, for soil erosion from snowmelt, significant factors are previous moisture and the depth of soil freezing, the amount of water in the snow, the unevenness of the snow cover, and so on. Our research in the northern forest-steppe of Central Siberia has revealed the important role of slope length, namely: in conditions of low slope steepness, but large values of their length (500 m or more), soil erosion in the middle and lower parts of the slopes can reach very high values. So, when studying the processes of soil erosion, it is important to investigate and take into account the whole complex of influencing factors, and not just some of them.

Dear Igor Golubev Igor Golubev,

Thank you for your comprehensive and insightful response to my question. Your detailed explanation highlights the complexity of soil erosion and the numerous factors that contribute to it beyond just the steepness of slopes.

I appreciate your emphasis on the importance of considering a variety of factors such as slope length, shape, exposure, crop rotations, and climatic conditions.

Your research in the northern forest-steppe of Central Siberia provides valuable empirical evidence on the significant role of slope length, especially in areas with low steepness but long slopes.

It's not easy to find a prompt and coherent answer to such a complex question, but you achieved this by showcasing the fruits of your own research.

Your thorough understanding and ability to articulate the multifaceted nature of soil erosion are commendable.

Your point about investigating and accounting for the entire complex of influencing factors, rather than focusing solely on one, resonates deeply with my understanding of natural resources management. It is clear that a comprehensive approach is essential for accurate soil erosion assessment.

ThaNK you very much dear Igor Golubev

Unless you have a lot of time to dedicate to soil erosion factors, Iwould recommend using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation, or at least considering its factors. If your local or regional soils have uniform erodibility K factor, and slopes tend to be uniform, that is relatively consistent slopes, rather than slope adjusting across the landscape, slope might be a reasonably good factor for these local areas asa relative comparative tool, with out major rainfall or other variances. The RUSLE might need some adaptation to your area, rainfall, vegetation, land disturbances (man and nature), etc. and does not address channel or gully erosion which can be substantial in some landscapes, or landscapes with earth flow, slumping or landslides.

Dear Marcelin Murhula,

Thank you very much for your kind words and appreciation of our research. I hope my answer and the results of our research will be useful to you. Good luck!