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ARS Home » Plains Area » Fort Collins, Colorado » Center for Agricultural Resources Research » Rangeland Resources & Systems Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #332087

Title: The Wind Erosion Predication System (WEPS): Technical documentation

Author
item Tatarko, John

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Government Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/11/2020
Publication Date: 9/3/2020
Citation: Tatarko, J. 2020. The Wind Erosion Predication System (WEPS): technical documentation. In: Tatarko, J. (ed). The Wind Erosion Predication System (WEPS): technical documentation. Book Chapter. Agricultural Handbook 727.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The Wind Erosion Prediction System (WEPS) is a process-based computer model designed to simulate wind erosion on cultivated agricultural lands. It represents improved wind erosion prediction technology over previous methods of predicting simple average mass of soil loss per year. WEPS is a critical component of an overall USDA strategy to reduce particulate emissions from cultivated agricultural lands and was designed for use by the USDA Natural Resources conservation Service (NRCS) to evaluate erosion potential on 35 million acres where conservation practices are applied. As such, it represents a significant body of work by USDA-Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and supports an overall ARS goal of increasing agricultural productivity while reducing the environmental impacts of agriculture. This Handbook provides a complete technical description of the wind erosion and other science contained within the WEPS model. WEPS has potential to impact a sustainable food and fiber supply for U.S and world populations.