Vegetative Filter Education and Assessment in the State of Iowa

Abstract

Vegetative filter is one of the agricultural best management practices that helps reduce the deterioration of the surface waters. These filters use natural processes to remove a portion of the sediment and other pollutants carried by runoff before the water enters a water-body. The project aims at gathering elevation data in fieldscale vegetative filters with the help of Geographic Positioning Systems (GPS) and analyzes the flow accumulation with the help of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The overall vision and objectives for this project include (1) To determine the effectiveness of VFS by visual field observation and validation by flow mapping procedures in ArcGIS 9, (2) To compare the area ratios and percentage of flow along each stream segment at The authors are solely responsible for the content of this technical presentation. The technical presentation does not necessarily reflect the official position of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), and its printing and distribution does not constitute an endorsement of views which may be expressed. Technical presentations are not subject to the formal peer review process by ASABE editorial committees; therefore, they are not to be presented as refereed publications. Citation of this work should state that it is from an ASABE meeting paper. EXAMPLE: Author's Last Name, Initials. 2006. Title of Presentation. ASABE Paper No. 06xxxx. St. Joseph, Mich.: ASABE. For information about securing permission to reprint or reproduce a technical presentation, please contact ASABE at rutter@asabe.org or 269-429-0300 (2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659 USA). various resolutions (5X5, 10X10, 20X20 and 30X30) for different sizes of the survey data sets, (3) Compare the flow routing for USGS 7.5 Quad Angle values and spatial analysis of the elevation data at resolution of 30X30. This study is of great significance in regard to key water quality and surface runoff issues, which are gaining broad awareness while developing consciousness about effective management practices and good land stewardship values. This paper will present the data and results for this study, which is still on going.