Abstract
AbstractThis study determines the most cost‐effective selection and location of Best Management Practice (BMP) scenarios for farmlands to reduce soil erosion and the delivery of sediment and phosphorus to the Fort Cobb Reservoir watershed under current and future climate scenarios. Using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool, detailed conservation practices (conservation tillage, contour farming, no‐tillage, and terracing) are simulated to determine crop yields, sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus loss of three crops (winter wheat, irrigated cotton, and pasture) by each land use unit (hydrologic response units) and location in the watershed. An economic model is used to determine the cost‐minimizing choice of BMP scenarios for each land‐use unit that meets 50%, 75%, and 90% reduction of sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus loads and the impact of climate change on the net return to farmers. Results indicate that the effective spatial placement of BMP scenarios is not the same under different climatic conditions. The average optimal net return to farmers ranges from 170.39 to 316.32 $/acre for all the scenarios. The shadow prices vary from 2.36 to 17.78 $/ton/acre of sediment abated. Although individual BMP scenario is effective in reducing sediment loads, combined BMP scenarios achieve higher performance. This work will help guide policymakers and farmers in decision‐making for the future regarding water quantity used and water quality downstream in the recreation area of the Fort Cobb Reservoir.
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