USLE and WEPP Soil Erosion Models: Their Applicability and Use in Generating Cover Values to Stabilize Soil in the Los Alamos, New Mexico Area

Soil erosion is a naturally occurring process that involves the detachment, transport, and deposition of soil particles. Disturbances such as thinning and wildfire can reduce cover greatly and increase erosion rates. Forest managers may use erosion prediction tools, such as the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) to estimate erosion rates and develop techniques to manage erosion. However, it is important to understand the differences and the applications of each model. Erosion rates were generated by each model and the model most applicable to the study site, Los Alamos, New Mexico was determined. It was also used to find the amount of cover needed to stabilize soil. The USLE is a simpler model and less complicated than a computer model like WEPP, and thus easier to manipulate to estimate cover values. Predicted cover values were compared to field cover values. Cover is necessary to establish effective erosion control guidelines.

Genetically Engineered Crops: A Study of Major Environmental Implications and U.S. Policy

The adoption of genetically modified crops is becoming evermore common in United States agriculture. However, this relatively new technology carries a negative stigma and perceived risks that have resulted commonly in public disapproval. In the United States, bioengineered crops are highly regulated. The significance of environmental benefits such as decreased chemical impact, increased soil conservation, heightened carbon sequestration, decreased energy demands, and reduced air emissions, are important enough to warrant a revision to U.S. policy. The U.S. policy structure needs to be simplified and made more efficient to better facilitate the speed with which new GE products can, and should, be developed while still providing adequate mitigation of potential environmental risks such as species invasiveness and impacts on non-target species.

Recommendations for Soil and Water Conservation Programs

The United States Department of Agriculture employs soil and water conservation programs to assist with the sustainable use of natural resources in balance with economic vitality in rural America. This capstone project analyzed soil and water conservation programs to identify strengths, weaknesses, and methods to maximize environmental benefits. There are many requirements for participation in these programs which are difficult for most agricultural producers to comprehend. Research indicates in order to accomplish the goals of federal conservation programs and assist individuals, a method must be developed to effectively present information in a concise manner. This capstone project created a communicative measure, a template, to disseminate pertinent knowledge on soil and water conservation programs, thereby filling a void in existing literature.

Anaerobic Digestion Project Working Guide: A Case Study Analysis and Procedural Summary of Anaerobic Digester Projects for the United States Agricultural Sector

Renewable energy such as biomass has given markets, including dairy farms, an effective approach to reducing the costs of sustaining a profitable business. Anaerobic digestion systems offer dairy farms a very effective way to reduce manure odor, comply with soil and water pollution regulations, manufacture compost for general market sales, produce irrigation capacity and generate on-site electricity as well as the ability to sell excess electricity back to the local utilities. This project defines anaerobic digestion technologies and practices, analyzes case studies and presents a step-by-step anaerobic digestion project startup checklist. The result is an anaerobic digestion project working guide that acts as a tool to aid dairy farmers in their own potential anaerobic digestion project.

The Role of Citizen Participation in Wildlife-Sensitive Transportation Projects

An extensive and growing road system in the United States bisects vital wildlife habitat and is causing deleterious ecological effects on many wildlife species. The primary impacts include collisions between wildlife and vehicles, altered movement patterns within habitat, and/or the complete blockage of movements between vital habitats. The increasing size of the road network and number of vehicles will only intensify the problem unless proactive wildlife mitigation measures are developed to minimize these adverse effects. Therefore, this capstone project examines the role of citizen advocacy for promoting wildlife protection in the planning and development of wildlife-sensitive transportation projects in the United States. Based upon a data analysis of 21 questionnaires from qualified participants, it was determined that citizen participation is an important component associated with the development of wildlife-sensitive transportation projects. However, four major barriers to facilitating effective citizen participation processes were identified. 1) A lack of awareness. Citizens are only minimally aware of wildlife and transportation issues, including: a) the ecological impacts of roads, b) the solutions available to mitigate these impacts, and c) the opportunities to advocate for the protection of wildlife during transportation planning processes; 2) Public apathy or a lack of citizen interest in wildlife and transportation issues; 3) Ineffective citizen participation techniques and processes; and 4) Poor communication with citizens. Four recommendations were provided to assist in overcoming these barriers and to help define a better role for citizen advocacy in protecting wildlife from the growing road network.