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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Columbia, Missouri » Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #253619
Title: APEX Model Simulation for Row Crop Watersheds with Agroforestry and Grass Buffers

Author
item SENAVIRATNE, A - University Of Missouri
item UDAWATTA, R - University Of Missouri
item Sadler, Edward
item Baffaut, Claire

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/28/2010
Publication Date: 10/31/2010
Citation: Senaviratne, A., Udawatta, R.P., Sadler, E.J., Baffaut, C. 2010. APEX Model Simulation for Row Crop Watersheds with Agroforestry and Grass Buffers[abstract]. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeeting. Oct. 31-Nov. 4, 2010, Long Beach, CA. 2010 CD-ROM.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Watershed model simulation has become an important tool in studying ways and means to reduce transport of agricultural pollutants. Conducting field experiments to assess buffer influences on water quality are constrained by the large-scale nature of watersheds, high experimental costs, private ownership of land, and need for many years of collected data to quantify environmental benefits. The objective of this study was to use the Agricultural/Environmental Policy eXtender (APEX) model to simulate runoff, sediment and nutrient losses from row crop watersheds with agroforestry and grass. A paired watershed study under corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean [Glycine Max (L.) Merr.] rotation conducted with agroforestry buffers and contour grass buffers, has shown that buffers significantly reduce runoff, sediment and nutrient losses. The APEX model was used to simulate water, sediment and nutrient transport for these watersheds. The model was chosen not only for its uniqueness to simulate multiple sub-areas, but also for its ability to simulate the impact of filter strips on sediment and nutrient losses. Model calibration was completed using data from 1997 to 2002 and validation with data from 2003 to 2009. The calibration results were tested using coefficients of determination, Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficients, and observation standard deviations. The APEX model was found to adequately simulate average runoff, sediment and nutrient losses relative to measured values. Results of this study can be used to develop buffer guidelines to maximize environmental benefits which protect water quality by minimizing runoff, sediment, and nutrient losses from watersheds under corn-soybean management.