Cost-effective conservation practice implementation strategies in an agricultural watershed

Abstract:

To address the harmful algal blooms problems in water bodies, agricultural best management practices (BMPs) are needed to reduce excess nutrient loadings. Accurately simulating agricultural BMPs in computer models is vital for creating cost-effective BMP implementation strategies. In this study, the ability of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) in simulating commonly used agricultural BMPs (blind inlets, wetlands, grade stabilization structures, filter strips, grassed waterways, cover crops, no-till, and nutrient management) in reducing nutrients (dissolved phosphorus, total phosphorus, and total nitrogen) and sediment from agricultural sources were further improved by including BMPs already implemented and simulating BMP effectiveness with improved methods. A BMP Cost Evaluation Tool was improved to more accurately capture the life cycle costs of BMPs. The improved SWAT and BMP Cost Evaluation Tool were demonstrated in the Little Ausable River watershed, an agricultural watershed in New York. The improved tools will better assist decision makers in creating cost-effective agricultural BMP implementation strategies.