Tuesday, November 6, 2007 - 2:50 PM
203-8

Implementing the Wind Erosion Prediction System Model.

Michael Sporcic, USDA-NRCS, 605 Hummingbird Tr, Crowley, TX 76036

NRCS has used the, ‘Management Period’ and the ‘Critical Period’ methods of the Wind Erosion Equation (WEQ) since the 1981.  Many technical issues have led the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and NRCS to adopt the Wind Erosion Prediction System (WEPS) Model, Version 1 for wind erosion prediction.  WEQ has not predicted wind erosion outside of the Great Plains area.  NRCS is working with the ARS Wind Erosion Research Unit (WERU) at Manhattan, Kansas to develop and adapt the model for resource conservation planning on cropland.  The crop growth and tillage operation databases have been adjusted to match those used in the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation, Version 2 (RUSLE 2).  Testing has been done in crop management zones throughout the US.  Testing has allowed ARS to enhance interface usability, improve physical processes, and improve computer simulations and reports.  NRCS has developed localized operation and crop databases.  Future development includes intergrading the Water Erosion Prediction Program (WEPP) and WEPS.  WEPS is able to estimate PM-10 resulting in a quantitative measurement of suspension.  Air quality issues and dust emission from fields in impaired air sheds are emerging issues.  Further model development should lead to conservation practices and systems that will improve air quality.  The new model is ready to implement.  Train-the-trainer sessions are underway for this fall.  With this new wind erosion prediction tool, private land owners and NRCS will have a better method, to develop conservation management systems on farms.