Sny Magill Watershed Modeling Project: Final Report
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The Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD) conducts innovative public policy and economic research on agricultural, environmental, and food issues. CARD uniquely combines academic excellence with engagement and anticipatory thinking to inform and benefit society.
CARD researchers develop and apply economic theory, quantitative methods, and interdisciplinary approaches to create relevant knowledge. Communication efforts target state and federal policymakers; the research community; agricultural, food, and environmental groups; individual decision-makers; and international audiences.
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Abstract
Improved assessment of flow, sediment, and nutrient losses from watersheds with computer simulation models is needed in order to identify and control nonpoint source pollution. One model, currently under consideration by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for watershed assessments, is the Soil Water and Assessment Tool (SWAT). In this report, the authors describe an application of SWAT for the Sny Magill Creek Watershed (SMCW), which covers 7,100 hectares in northeastern Iowa. The authors conclude that the SWAT model was generally able to predict flow, sediment, and nutrient losses. Additionally, the SWAT model provided useful insights about the importance of accurate data inputs, weaknesses in some of the data collecting methodologies, and the impacts of best management practices (BMPs) on water quality.