Although widely used, this model has been the subject of extensive criticism.

For
example, it assumes that a vegetation cover is always protective which is not
necessarily the case; erosion on land with a good cover of crops planted in rows can
be greater than on land which is sparsely vegetated. It is also water erosion based and
cannot be used in areas affected extensively by wind erosion.

More specifically, it focuses on rill and inter-rill erosion and is not easily applied to
areas where gully and stream bank erosion are widespread. Its universal nature has
also been questioned particularly in terms of its application to tropical soils.

Furthermore, it should be emphasised that this model does not consider the wide range
of socio-economic and political factors which play a crucial role in terms of their
influence on the degree of soil erosion which will be examined later. Alternative
models include SLEMSA (Soil Loss Estimator for Southern Africa) and CREAMS
(Chemicals Run-off and Erosion Arising From Agricultural Management Systems).

Land use is perhaps the most significant factor influencing soil erosion, for two main
reasons. First, many land use practices leave the soil devoid of a protective vegetation
cover, or with only a partial cover, for significant periods of time and second, they
involve mechanical disturbance of the soil.

Specific aspects of land use often associated with accelerated soil erosion include
expansion and intensification of arable cultivation, overgrazing, deforestation, certain
forestry practices, site clearance in preparation for urban and industrial construction
and a number of recreational activities such as walking and skiing.

Arable cultivation has expanded and intensified dramatically in recent decades.

Relatively steep slopes, formerly covered by grass or tress, have been converted to
arable cropping, while an increased use of heavy agricultural machinery has resulted
in compaction of the soil. This, in turn, has led to reduced infiltration capacity,
particularly