A review of the application of the MUSLE model worldwide

The sediment yield model of the MUSLE (modified universal soil loss equation) is applied extensively throughout the world, but different performances have been reported of its success relative to measured data. A review of all the available literature is presented to assess the application of the model under different conditions and, ultimately, make a comprehensive judgement on the different aspects to allow readers to adjust their further research. A review of 49 papers showed the variable accuracy of the model, which depends on the manner of calculation and determination of the input and output, and the study time and space scales. There were differences in land use, in correspondence of the physiographic characteristics with those of the original conditions of model development, and even in the experience of researchers in applying the model. The results also show the need to consider the original application of the model, as proposed by its developers, to achieve comparable results.Editor Z.W. KundzewiczCitation Sadeghi, S.H.R., et al., 2014. A review of the application of the MUSLE model worldwide. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 59 (2), 365-375. ResumeLe modele de production de sediments de l'equation universelle modifiee des pertes de terre (Modified Universal Soil Loss EquationMUSLE) est largement applique dans le monde entier, mais des performances variees ont ete signalees quant a son applicabilite pour les objectifs proposes. Nous presentons une revue de toute la litterature disponible pour evaluer l'application du modele dans des conditions differentes et, a terme, pour porter un jugement complet sur les differents aspects de cette application, de maniere a permettre aux lecteurs d'ajuster leurs recherches futures. L'examen de plus de 49 articles a confirme la precision extremement variable du modele en fonction du mode de calcul et de determination des entrees et sorties, et des echelles temporelles et spatiales d'etude. Des differences existaient dans l'occupation des sols, la correspondance entre les caracteristiques physiographique d'etude et celles utilisees lors du developpement du modele, et meme dans l'experience des chercheurs dans l'application du modele. Les resultats montrent aussi la necessite de prendre en consideration les conditions originales d'application du modele, tel que cela est suggere par ses developpeurs, afin d'obtenir des resultats comparables.