ABSTRACT
Laboratory and field plots are important only as tools for acquiring data to accomplish a research objective. Soil erosion research must be based on experimental results of some form. Small plots then are used to develop or verify basic operating equations that govern the physical processes of soil erosion. It is difficult to discuss any particular analysis of data from small plots because they are used for a variety of objectives. The greatest justification for small plots is their utility in studying the basic aspects of soil erosion in detail. Problems that influence study procedures on small plots include those related to size and duplication of the soil as it is found in a field. Good examples are the standard erosion plots used to develop the universal soil loss equation. Use of large plots affords little opportunity to learn about the different parts of the erosion process.
