In reference to the ESCP benchmark, the calculation of Soil Erodibility Factor (K) equation used in our programme MiTS is different from the equation shown in MSMA 2nd Edition Equation 12.3. After numerous testing on the equation given by the MSMA and based on other reliable sources, we believe that the equation shown in MSMA2 is incorrect, due to a typo. The sources will be shown in a later section. 

The equation used in our programme in MITS is as below. Although there is only a slight difference in terms of the decimal, it can cause a huge discrepancy in the result. 

Note that the MSMA manual lacks a ‘.’ in the “10” factor. 

Our references #

There are many research references with different equations regarding K calculations.  Below are the references that we refer to which shows the most similar equation as shown in MSMA2.  

• Modified soil erodibility factor, K for Peninsular Malaysia soil series

Refer to page 802 Eq. 2

• Guideline for Erosion and Sediment Control in Malaysia 

Refer to 39 Equation 3.8

Therefore, the equation used in MiTS is based on the equation as shown in the references above. 

MSMA2 Equation  #

However, if you must use the MSMA2 Equation 12.3, you can calculate the K manually and simply override the value in the box. 

We believe that the above sources and argument is sufficient to convince everyone that there is a typo in the MSMA manual.