Project Number: 5342-66000-004-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Feb 27, 2002
End Date: Feb 26, 2007

Objective:
1. Evaluate and quantify best management practices for water quality protection and resource conservation for a broad range of conditions, using simulation models and experimental data from the Midwest, Great Plains, and Southwest. 2. Build a quality-assured information database for water quality and economic effects of best management practices in selected areas within Iowa as a prototype. 3. Integrate this database into a Decision Support System, and pilot test in NRCS field offices.

Approach:
This is a pioneering 3-location project, as a joint effort among the Great Plains Systems Research in Ft. Collins, CO; the National Soil Tilth Lab, Ames, IA; and this Unit, along with NRCS personnel in Iowa and Colorado. Object 1 will be achieved by using RZWQM and its hybrids with GLEAMS erosion and phosphorus components, and with DSSAT crop growth models. The information database for identified BMPs under Object 2 will be created using the above models, with corresponding economic analysis using the Procost package. An expert panel will help identify BMPs and assure the quality of the database. Object 3 will be accomplished by combining the information database with the MODSS, the multi-objective decision support system (DSS) to rank and prioritize the decision variables. NRCS will pilot test the DSS in Iowa and extend it to other selected NRCS sites. Formerly 5342-66000-001-00D (2/02).

Project Team

Heilman, Philip - Phil Moran, Mary - Susan Stone, Jeffry - Jeff

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002