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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Oxford, Mississippi » National Sedimentation Laboratory » Watershed Physical Processes Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #299361

Title: USDA-ARS National Sedimentation Laboratory: A historic perspective

Author
item Wells, Robert - Rob
item BENNETT, SEAN - University Of Buffalo
item Bingner, Ronald - Ron
item Dabney, Seth
item Langendoen, Eddy
item MOMM, HENRIQUE - Middle Tennessee State University
item Romkens, Mathias
item Wilson, Glenn

Submitted to: Journal of Water Resource and Protection
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/22/2015
Publication Date: 2/25/2015
Publication URL: https://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/60625
Citation: Wells, R.R., Bennett, S.J., Bingner, R.L., Dabney, S.M., Langendoen, E.J., Momm, H.G., Romkens, M.J., Wilson, G.V. 2015. USDA-ARS National Sedimentation Laboratory: A historic perspective. Journal of Water Resource and Protection. 7:228-246. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/jwarp.2015.73019.

Interpretive Summary: This manuscript briefly outlines the historic thread of soil erosion research that leads to the USDA-ARS National Sedimentation Laboratory (NSL), Oxford, MS. Specific attention is given to the establishment of the United States Department of Agriculture and agencies within the USDA directly concerned with soil erosion and conservation. The majority of the manuscript focuses on the research activities conducted by personnel of the NSL specific to soil erosion, although aspects of water quality research are discussed as well. The summary presents a series of research impact areas (areas of research in which the science presented changed or modified popular opinion): Cesium-137 sedimentation, soil erodibility, soil erosion processes and technology, and soil conservation.

Technical Abstract: Sediment from soil erosion is conceded by most authorities to be the largest single stream pollutant. Physical damage from sediment include reservoir storage loss, navigation channel filling, stream channel morphology alterations, ecological impacts, and clogging of drainage pathways. Ultimately, soil erosion is a very expensive problem. In the United States, soil erosion has been an ongoing issue since the establishment of the colonies. Through the initiative of great minds and the labor of countless individuals, the USDA was established and continues to fight for the people, providing assistance, guidance and research. In this paper, the historical groundwork is laid for the establishment of the USDA-ARS National Sedimentation Laboratory (NSL) and a synopsis of NSL research is provided. This brief perspective of soil erosion research conducted on behalf of the people is but a small portion of the illustrious history of the USDA.