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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Columbia, Missouri » Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #301978
Title: Erosion and runoff evaluation in Goodwater Creek Experimental Watershed using the SWAT-T Model

Author
item THONGPUSSAWAL, SITARRINE - University Of Missouri
item GANTZER, CLARK - University Of Missouri
item Baffaut, Claire
item HUI, SHAO - University Of Guelph

Submitted to: Soil and Water Conservation Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/24/2014
Publication Date: 7/27/2014
Citation: Thongpussawal, S., Gantzer, C.J., Baffaut, C., Hui, S. 2014. Erosion and runoff evaluation in Goodwater Creek Experimental Watershed using the SWAT-T Model [abstract]. Soil and Water Conservation Society. P. 56.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The 72 km2 Goodwater Creek Experimental Watershed (GCEW), in the claypan region, is a Long-Term Agro-ecosystem Research Watershed in Boone and Audrain counties of north-central MO, which has reported problems with degraded water quality from nutrients, sediment, and herbicides. Terraces are effective conservation practices to reduce concentrated flow erosion and intercept runoff. Between 1990 and 2006, 13% of the GCEW area has been treated with terraces and associated grassed waterways or underground outlets. Researchers have simulated terrace effects using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) by adjusting the slope length and the USLE P-factor. A modification of SWAT 2009 (SWAT-T) simulates the effects that temporary storage of water in the terraces has on infiltration, evaporation, flow, sediment, nutrients and herbicides. The objective of this work is to evaluate SWAT-T in simulating the impacts of terraces on erosion and runoff for GCEW. The model will be used to estimate terrace water storage and its effect on sediment and flow. Data collected from 1993 through 2010 will be used to calibrate and validate the model. SWAT-T results will be compared to measured data and to results obtained with SWAT 2009. The SWAT-T modification should improve evaluation of terrace benefits at watershed scale. This work will be useful for conservationists and water resource managers.