Location: Southeast Watershed Research
Project Number: 6048-13000-029-000-K
Project Type: Invalid Project Type
Start Date: Oct 1, 2023
End Date: Sep 30, 2031
Objective:
1. Inventory, assess, and characterize the observational data describing agricultural conservation practices that are available for modeling at national and sub-national scales. (NP211 C3: PS 3.A, 3.B, 3.C; NP216 C1: PS 1.A; C3: PS 3.C, 3.D; C4: PS 4.A)
2. Evaluate prototypes of methods to accurately map conservation activity data using earth observation data. (NP211 C3: PS 3.A, 3.B, 3.C; NP216 C1: PS 1.A; C3: PS 3.C, 3.D; C4: PS 4.A)
3. Develop calibration and validation processes for new agricultural data products, including scaling algorithms from the local to regional and national scales. (NP211 C3: PS 3.A, 3.B, 3.C; NP216 C1: PS 1.A; C3: PS 3.C, 3.D; C4: PS 4.A)
Approach:
A multidisciplinary team of remote sensing, geospatial, and data scientists will perform tasks to accomplish the objectives. Major tasks associated with the objectives include: 1), categorize current remotely sensed observational data into Readiness Levels (RLs) for use with national estimates of conservation data; 2), develop and improve mapping methods to ensure accurate estimation of spatial data products; 3), test calibration and validation processes for observational data products that require further development; and 4), develop scaling algorithms to extend data products into geographic regions where data are scarce. Tasks will be accomplished utilizing high-performance computing environments with access to published and unpublished data provided by collaborating USDA team leads from Economic Research Service and the National Agricultural Statistics Service. The research team, which incorporates ARS scientists along with other USDA Action Area #6 team members will, collaborate on the production of data products that accurately map tillage practices, cover crops, and management practices.
