Location: Southeast Watershed Research
Project Number: 6048-13000-028-075-I
Project Type: Interagency Reimbursable Agreement
Start Date: Jul 17, 2023
End Date: Sep 30, 2026
Objective:
Supporting CEAP-Grazing Lands modeling efforts and assessments, ARS will collaborate with NRCS to provide scientifically-rigorous datasets and research results to address data gaps in our understanding of the outcomes of conservation practices in grazing lands across the breadth of climates and soils where pasture-based grazing forms part of the agricultural system. This project will incorporate management dynamics, soil carbon, habitat, invasive species, erosion, nutrient transport, and other ecological considerations that change as
pasture management and conservation implementation approaches change.
Approach:
ARS scientists at Tifton, GA, will expand research on the use and management of
agricultural ponds in pasture lands, looking at associations between cattle use, sediment erosion and sediment delivery to ponds, and pond water quality. Researchers will use remote sensing and on-site collection to quantify metrics including animal numbers, location of cattle trails, manure deposition, soil carbon, and water quality including nutrients, heavy metals, and dissolved organic matter. These data will improve understanding of conservation
practice outcomes, and will lead to improved management practices and tools.
