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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Columbia, Missouri » Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #202190
Title: Evaluation of BMPs Using Statistical and SWAT Modeling in the Goodwater Creek

Author
item BOCKHOLD, AMANDA - UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
item BAFFAUT, CLAIRE - UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
item THOMPSON, ALLEN - UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
item Sadler, Edward

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/1/2006
Publication Date: 10/11/2006
Citation: Bockhold, A., Baffaut, C., Thompson, A., Sadler, E.J. 2006. Evaluation of BMPs Using Statistical and SWAT Modeling in the Goodwater Creek. Managing Agricultural Landscapes for Environmental Quality, October 11-13, 2006, Kansas City, Missouri. p.38.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The objective of this study is to characterize the effectiveness of conservation tillage, grassed waterways, and terraces in reducing chemical and sediment loadings in the 27 square miles Goodwater Creek Watershed in Audrain and Boone County in northeast Missouri. Between 1990 and 2006, about 15% of the watershed has been protected by best management practices (BMP) such as grassed waterways, terraces, or CRP. In addition, the use of conservation tillage in Audrain County has increased from 20% to 70% on corn, from 6% to 80% on soybeans, and from 5% to 95% on wheat with the largest increase occurring between 1992 and 1994. During that time, flow and water quality constituents were monitored at the outlet of the watershed. This study analyses the monitoring data to determine if the implementation of these practices is reflected in the stream pollutant loads and concentrations. Monthly and seasonal regressions were conducted between water quality indicators, climatic variables, and an index that incorporates the changes in land use and land management implemented during that period. A SWAT model was also developed for this watershed and was utilized to determine what expected impact these BMPs have on water quality. A model gives the ability to estimate the impact of conservation practices independently from weather changes. Thirty-year long simulated series of water quality indicators were analyzed to determine the effect of the BMPs and tillage changes at the outlet of the watershed. Based on the statistical analyses of monitoring data and predicted values, soil loss, nutrient, and chemical reduction will be explained through watershed BMP records and tillage changes.