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Estimating Watershed Loading of Sediment, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus with Empirical Flow-Duration Curves

Application to TMDL Analyses and BMP Evaluations

Potential use of flow duration curves to measure risk reduction after the implementation of BMPs.
The collaborative research has two objectives; first, to identify and quantify the factors that connect watershed hydrology and water quality (such as soil type, slope, land use, etc.) that must be considered when evaluating the efficiency of agricultural best management practices (BMPs) and establishing total maximum daily load analyses (TMDLs).

Second, this research will explore and develop uniform methods for comparing hydrology and water quality data by focusing on watersheds subjected to agricultural BMPs. The research methodology will take consider the natural variability of precipitation events and of watershed response to BMP installation. Researchers will conduct an in-depth examination of data collected at the North Appalachian Experimental Watershed (NAEW) over the past 70 years and that compiled in other databases.

Supplemental data will be gathered using NAEW's well-instrumented small- and medium-sized watersheds and EPA research locations as appropriate. As a result of this research, we hope to develop methods that will make possible the quantification of BMP efficacy and the understanding of how natural systems respond to BMP installation over time, which will benefit states and stakeholders faced with selecting and using BMPs to develop and implement TMDLs.

Contact: Matthew Morrison (IAG with USDA ARS NAEW, Coshocton, OH) (EIMS#80105)

Office of Research & Development | National Risk Management Research Laboratory

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