Location: Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory
Project Number: 3064-21600-001-131-I
Project Type: Interagency Reimbursable Agreement
Start Date: Aug 22, 2024
End Date: Sep 30, 2026
Objective:
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. The agreement produces the underlying datasets and modeling products required for implementation of the Pasture Ecological Vulnerability Index.
Approach:
1. Continued identification, compilation, and harmonization of geospatial datasets required for development of the Pastureland Ecological Vulnerability Index.
2. Ongoing collection of data on vegetation, soil health, ecosystem services, and water quality changes in grazing lands in response to conservation practice implementation to support and validate index development.
3. Ongoing modeling of erosion risk in pastures as determined by weather, soils, and vegetation management for those regions of the contiguous United States where pasture grazing is practiced.
4. Refinement of provisional modeling results and risk assessment tables and maps based on NRCS review.
