Engaging Farmers in Watershed Planning through Precision Conservation:

Midwestern Case Studies Utilizing the Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework

Mark Tomer, USDA/ARSLinda Prokopy, Purdue University

Soil management and soil building practices: Nutrient/manure management, Cover Crops, No-tillage or strip tillage

Controlled Drainage where slopes are least

Yes No

H A B C

M B C

L C

Close to stream?

Slop

e st

eepn

ess

Yes No

H CZ MSB SSG

M MSB MSB SSG

L DRV DRV SBS

Shallow water table?

Runo

ff de

liver

y

Design Types for Riparian Buffers:CZ Critical Zone -sensitive sitesMSB Multi-Species BufferSSG Stiff-Stemmed GrassesDRV Deep-Rooted VegetationSBS Stream Bank Stability

Water/Sediment Control Basins to detain runoff/sediment

Runoff Risk Assessment:Fields where runoff

control is most needed

Riparian Assessment:Match buffer designs and

landscape settings

IN FIELDS:Place water control /

filter practices

BELOW FIELDS Place water

detention / nutrient removal practices

RIPARIAN ZONEPlace/design practices for

ecosystem function and nutrient removal

CONTROL, TRAP, and/or TREAT TILE DRAINAGE SURFACE RUNOFF

Supplemental Landscape Assessments

Sediment Detention Basins

2

Agricultural Conservation Planning FrameworkOUTLINE OF INITIAL PRACTICE PLACEMENT ASSESSMENTS FOR BEARGRASS WATERSHED

Denitrifying Bioreactors above field-tile outlets where

ditches are deep

Shallow wetlands in near-stream depressionsNovel, site-specific designs

Two-Stage DitchesShallow ditches easily widened

APPLICATION: Scenario development and assessment guided by landowner participants implement/ monitor/ adapt

Surface Intake Filters (e.g., Blind inlets) in depressions

Grassed Waterways to slow concentrated flows

Session format

• Six presentations describing case study watersheds where the ACPF has been / is being applied.

• Facilitated discussion