Prediction of Soil Wind Erosion Potential and Soil Compaction Under Different Residue Management Scenarios.

Soil models provide a great opportunity to evaluate how different agronomic practices can influence soil productivity and environment quality at regional scales. Wind erosion prediction system (WEPS) is one of the model developed for improving wind erosion predictions under different soil types, agronomic practices, and climatic zones. Similarly, a set of pedo-transfer functions have been developed to predict the cone index (soil compaction parameter) and wind erodible fraction using readily available data on other soil properties. We will be applying such modeling approach to improve the prediction of wind erodible fraction and cone index using three year field data collected across the precipitation gradient in Nebraska. The study sites were established in 2014 with three residue treatments: 1) baling 2) grazing and 3) control (no grazing and no baling) near Scottsbluff, Ainsworth, Norfolk, Clay Center, and Nebraska City. Data on soil texture, organic matter, soil water content, bulk density, dry aggregate distribution, calcium carbonate and residue cover is being collected. In addition, climate data will be obtained from nearby weather stations. All these inputs will be used to predict the soil wind erosion risk using WEPS under different residue management scenarios on a regional basis. Attempts will be made to refine the pedo-transfer functions for soil compaction and wind erodible fraction. Overall, the modelling approach will help to address critical knowledge gaps in understanding soil processes and outputs will be a helpful in evaluating residue management impacts at larger scales.