Land Use Overview

Of the many methods to estimate infiltration, the NRCS Curve Number (CN) method is one that is commonly used.  For watersheds with multiple soil types and land uses, a composite CN (CCN) must be calculated to estimate the infiltration losses.  The USDA/NRCS supplies tables so that a CCN can be determined from soil type, land use, moisture condition, and hydrologic condition.  In hydrology, land use (also known as cover crop or land cover) refers to the way in which the land is being used and/or its condition.  Land uses can be urban or agricultural/rural.  Examples of these include streets, industrial areas, commercial areas, row crops, meadows, pasture/range and woods.