The paper had the objective to analyze the effect of the overland flow and slope in the soil losses. A channel with a soil layer (Red Yellow Latosol) 12 cm deep was used. The water was applied in the channel in an uniform way. The slopes used were 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% and for each one of these slopes six different overland flow values were used. The soil loss was measured by the direct method. Using the soil loss rates measured and the values of slope and overland flow a regression equation was adjusted. The obtained results allowed the following conclusions: a) the slope had a more significant effect in the soil loss rate than the discharge; b) tendency of decline of the rates of soil loss was observed with the time; and c) the linear equation was better adjusted to the data of soil loss for the slope of 2%, while the adjustment of the equation of the potential type was better for slopes of 8 and 10%. For slopes of 4 and 6%, however, no significant differences were observed between the linear and potential equation.
overland flow; rill erosion; soil loss
