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Title: DATABASE REQUIREMENTS AND APPLICABILITY OF WEPS FOR INTERNATIONAL AND NON-AGRICULTURE USES

Author
item Wagner, Larry
item Tatarko, John

Submitted to: American Society of Agricultural Engineers Meetings Papers
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/1/2003
Publication Date: 8/1/2003
Citation: Wagner, L.E., Tatarko, J. Database requirements and applicability of WEPS for international and non-agriculture uses. 2003. American Society of Agricultural Engineers. Paper No. 03-2070.

Interpretive Summary: WEPS 1.0 is a process-based wind erosion model intended to replace the empirical Wind Erosion Equation (WEQ) as a prediction tool for conservation planning on agricultural crop land. The initial primary customer for this model is the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) who plan on eventually implementing it nationwide in their 2500 Field Offices. However, WEPS 1.0 can easily be applied outside the U.S. and for non-agricultural uses, if the user has access to the appropriate soils, wind, climate and crop growth data necessary to run the model. This presentation will discuss the data requirements for WEPS and provide examples of output available from the model which are of particular interest in non-agricultural uses of the model.

Technical Abstract: WEPS (Wind Erosion Prediction System) is a process-based, daily time-step wind erosion model that simulates weather, field conditions, and erosion. WEPS 1.0 is the first release of the model and includes graphical user interface to assist the user in selecting model inputs and viewing the simulation results. It is intended to replace the predominately empirical Wind Erosion Equation (WEQ) as a prediction tool for those who plan soil conservation systems, conduct environmental planning, or assess offsite impacts caused by wind erosion. The initial primary customer of WEPS 1.0 is the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) for evaluating agricultural crop land. However, it has applicability outside the U.S. and for non-agriculture uses. Obtaining and creating appropriate soil, wind, weather and crop data for use by WEPS 1.0 are the most common issues which must be addressed. This presentation will discuss the data input requirements for WEPS 1.0 and tools available to assist in data conversion. Selected WEPS 1.0 output reports will also be discussed which are of particularly interest in non-agricultural uses of the model.