Spatial Optimization of Conservation Practices for Sediment Load Reduction in Ungauged Agricultural Watersheds

Soil Systems

article

Racha ElKadiri¹  Henrique G. Momm¹  Ronald L. Bingner²  Katy Moore¹ 

[1] Department of Geosciences, Middle Tennessee State University;National Sedimentation Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture

关键词: AnnAGNPS;    ungauged watershed;    conservation practices;    agricultural watershed;    soil erosion;    sediment load;    watershed modeling;    GIS;    riparian buffer;    sediment basin;   

DOI  :  10.3390/soilsystems7010004

学科分类：电子与电气工程

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Conservation practices (CPs) are used in agricultural watersheds to reduce soil erosion and improve water quality, leading to a sustainable management of natural resources. This is especially important as more pressure is applied on agricultural systems by a growing population and a changing climate. A challenge persists, however, in optimizing the implementation of these practices given their complex, non-linear, and location-dependent response. This study integrates watershed modeling using the Annualized Agricultural Non-Point-Source model and a GIS-based field scale localization and characterization of CPs. The investigated practices are associated with the implementation of riparian buffers, sediment basins, crop rotations, and the conservation reserve program. A total of 33 conservation scenarios were developed to quantify their impact on sediment erosion reduction. This approach was applied in an ungauged watershed as part of the Mississippi River Basin initiative aiming at reducing one of the largest aquatic dead zones in the globe. Simulation results indicate that the targeted approach has a significant impact on the overall watershed-scale sediment load reduction. Among the different evaluated practices, riparian buffers were the most efficient in sediment reduction. Moreover, the study provides a blueprint for similar investigations aiming at building decision-support systems and optimizing the placement of CPs in agricultural watersheds.

【 授权许可】

CC BY