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RUSLE2 MOSES database for Pennsylvania

evised Universal Soil Loss Equation Version 2 (RUSLE2) computer program requires the user to install a Modular Soil Erosion System (MOSES) database file containing climate, soils, and crop management data specific to the local geographic area. 

RUSLE2 MOSES database for Pennsylvania

Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation Version 2 (RUSLE2) computer program requires the user to install a Modular Soil Erosion System (MOSES) database file containing climate, soils, and crop management data specific to the local geographic area. For NRCS planning purposes conservation planners are required to use and maintain the most current data in the MOSES database. Climate, soils and crop management data is periodically updated.

An up-to-date MOSES database containing all climate, soils, and crop management data for Pennsylvania can be downloaded from this website. The MOSES database file is compressed or "zipped" to minimize the size of the file.

Once downloaded and "unzipped" the MOSES file (BASE_NRCS_MOSES_06142021_PA.gdb) is to be placed in the "C:\ProgramData\USDA\RUSLE2\NRCS" folder.

Rename the MOSES file to identify it as yours by changing the words "BASE_NRCS" to your first name. For example: Mark_MOSES_06142021_PA.zip.

To begin using the new MOSES, open RUSLE2 and select "Open Alternate" on the "Database" pull-down menu. Select and open the new database.

Once the new MOSES is loaded into RUSLE2, select "Startup Database" on the "Database" pull-down menu. This will make the new MOSES the default database when using RUSLE2 henceforth.

Download the 2022 MOSES for NRCS planning in Pennsylvania file here:

Download the 2022 MOSES for NRCS planning in Pennsylvania file (16.78 MB)

For more information about the RUSLE2 program, visit the NRCS national RUSLE2 site: https://fargo.nserl.purdue.edu/rusle2_dataweb/RUSLE2_Index.htm   

For more information about using RUSLE2 for NRCS planning purposes in Pennsylvania, contact Mark Goodson.

Mark Goodson

State Agronomist

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