> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://swatplus.gitbook.io/io-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://swatplus.gitbook.io/io-docs/introduction-1/channels/hyd-sed-lte.cha/cov_fact.md).

# cov\_fact

The channel cover factor is defined as the ratio of degradation from a channel with a specified vegetative cover to the corresponding degradation from a channel with no vegetative cover. The vegetation affects degradation by reducing the stream velocity, and consequently its erosive power, near the bed surface.

{% hint style="info" %}
A value of **cov\_fact** = 1 indicates that there is no vegetative cover on the channel. A value of **cov\_fact** = 0 indicates that the channel is completely protected from erosion.
{% endhint %}