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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Columbia, Missouri » Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #83570

Title: BRADSS: A DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT IN BEEF RANCH OPERATIONS

Author
item Fraisse, Clyde
item CAMPBELL, KENNETH - UNIV OF FL

Submitted to: American Society of Agricultural Engineers Meetings Papers
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/14/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Water pollution potential of livestock operations includes impairment of bacteriological quality, depletion of dissolved oxygen, and increased nutrient enrichment. The successful planning of a beef ranch management system requires the ability to simulate the impact of cattle stock rates, forage production, and pasture management on the water resources. A Beef RAnch Decision Support System (BRADSS) has been developed as a tool for creating alternative pasture management plans and evaluating the effects of such plans on surface and ground water quality degradation. BRADSS utilizes a GIS-based interface to develop field-level management plans, run the FHANTM v2.0 water quality model, and analyze the results obtained by means of tabular reports, daily time-series graphs and thematic maps. It is designed to allow the user a site-specific investigation of the water quality impacts resulting from field management practices. BRADSS runs on SUN SPARC stations using the ARC/INFO GIS software.