A Framework to Evaluate Conservation Practices
Title: An Integrated Assessment Framework to Evaluate Conservation Practices’,Environmental and Economic Benefits: A case for Central Iowa.
Location: Des Moines River Basin (portion that drains to Lake Red Rock).
Time Period: 2023 -2025.
Research Team: Philip W. Gassman, Tássia M. Brighenti and Yongjie Ji.
Project Description: The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy (INRS) aims to reduce nutrient discharge into Iowa streams and water bodies. Their goal is to decrease nutrient losses by 45% by 2035, aligning with the Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan. Challenges persist as nitrogen and phosphorus levels remain high in Iowa streams, leading to algae blooms, eutrophication, and fish kills. To address these issues, we propose a methodology that integrates simulation models, data, and economic analysis to assess the impact of best management practices (BMPs) on water quality and associated economic implications. Economic studies often underestimate benefits due to a limited understanding of ecosystem services; however, ecohydrological models, such as the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), are recommended to test optimal management systems and provide inputs for economic models. An integrated framework will be developed for this project that connects SWAT with an Economic Benefit Model for the Des Moines River Basin (DMRB) in central Iowa. This approach aims to quantify the benefits of adopting conservation practices in the region.
Publications:
Brighenti, T.M., P.W. Gassman, W.J. Gutowski and J.R. Thompson. 2023. Accessing the influence of a bias correction method on future climate scenarios using SWAT as an impact model indicator. Water. 15(4): 750. https://doi.org/10.3390/w15040750.
Brighenti, T.A., P.W. Gassman, K.E. Schilling, R. Srinivasan, M. Liebman and J.R. Thompson. 2022. Evaluation of multiple baseline SWAT simulations for the Des Moines River and Skunk River Watersheds in central Iowa. Science of the Total Environment. 839: 156302. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156302.
Funders: INRC, National Science Foundation (Social and biophysical models to integrate local food systems, climate dynamics, built forms, and environmental impacts in the urban FEWS nexus. 2020-2024: Janette Thompson, Iowa State Univ., lead PI).
Disclaimer: This is an active research site, please contact Philip Gassman (pwgassma@iastate.edu) prior to planning any site visits.