Soil Loss Prediction on Mobile Platform Using Universal Soil-Loss Equation (USLE) Model

¹ Agrotechnology Department, Agriculture Faculty, University of Palembang (UNPAL), 30139, Palembang Indonesia
² School of Multimedia Technology and Communication, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), 06010 Sintok Kedah, Malaysia
³ Agrotechnology Department, Agriculture faculty. University of Sriwijaya (UNSRI), 30862, Indralaya, Ogan Ilir, South Sumatra Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: sup_effendi@yahoo.co.id

Abstract

Indirect method for soil loss predictions are plentiful, one of which is Universal soil-loss equation (USLE) model. Available technology in mobile applications prompted the authors to develop a tool for calculating soil loss for many land types by transforming the USLE model into smart mobile application. The application is designed by using simple language for calculating each and every factor and lastly summing up the results. Factors that are involved in the calculation of soil loss are namely erosivity, erodibility, slope steepness, length of slope, land cover and conservation measures. The program will also be able to give its judgment for each of the prediction of soil loss rates for each and every possible land uses ranging from very light to very heavy. The application is believed to be useful for land users, students, farmers, planners, companies and government officers. It is shown by conducting usability testing using usability model, which is designed for mobile application. The results showed from 120 respondents that the usability of the system in this study was in “very good” classification, for three characteristics (ease of use, user satisfaction, and learnability). Only attractiveness characteristic that falls into “good” classification.