A Topography Analysis Incorporated Optimization Method for the Selection and Placement of Best Management Practices

Abstract

Best Management Practices (BMPs) are one of the most effective methods to control nonpoint source (NPS) pollution at a watershed scale. In this paper, the use of a topography analysis incorporated optimization method (TAIOM) was proposed, which integrates topography analysis with cost-effective optimization. The surface status, slope and the type of land use were evaluated as inputs for the optimization engine. A genetic algorithm program was coded to obtain the final optimization. The TAIOM was validated in conjunction with the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) in the Yulin watershed in Southwestern China. The results showed that the TAIOM was more cost-effective than traditional optimization methods. The distribution of selected BMPs throughout landscapes comprising relatively flat plains and gentle slopes, suggests the need for a more operationally effective scheme, such as the TAIOM, to determine the practicability of BMPs before widespread adoption. The TAIOM developed in this study can easily be extended to other watersheds to help decision makers control NPS pollution.

Effectiveness of vegetative filter strips in abating fecal coliform based on modified soil and water assessment tool

“…However, few similar studies exist for bacteria. In this study, the coefficient of determination (R 2 ) and the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (E NS ) were used to evaluate the performance of the model (Shen et al 2013). …”

“…Research shows that many factors affect the removal efficiency of VFS, including type of vegetation used, strip length and width, and slope of the strip (Parajuli et al 2008). The economics and optimization of VFS placement are the focus of current study (Shen et al 2013). …”

An Overview of China’s Agricultural Non-point Source Issues and the Development of Related Research

“…The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) Curve Number (CN) equation is widely used in NPS studies by Chinese scholars when considering factors that influence the spatial differences of an underlying surface (such as land use, soil permeability, and rainfall) [6,7]. Li and Shen [8] presented storage, saturation excess, and integrated runoff yield theories of regional agricultural NPS runoff yield calculations based on China's actual situation.…”

A preference-based multi-objective model for the optimization of best management practices

“…Therefore, it is desirable to select a preferred set of BMPs for the watershed that would result in the greatest reduction in pollutant loads for the least cost. The selection and implementation of BMPs is constrained by objective conditions, including environmental characteristics and economic and social factors (Maringanti et al, 2011;Shen et al, 2013;Zare et al, 2012). A major challenge for multi-objective optimization is the incorporation of information that reflects the preferences of watershed managers that is useful in the decision-making processes, especially given limited funds and human resources.…”