P Index and Snowmelt Runoff Risk Assessment: Demonstration and Refinement

This project proposes to demonstrate the ability of a process-based Phosphorous Index formulation to assess management effects on runoff phosphorous losses from fields under frozen soil conditions. The project will test and refine the method used in a process-based Phosphorous Index to determine the effect of field management practices on frozen soil runoff volume and adapt the refined frozen soil runoff risk assessment method (within the process-based Phosphorous Index) to identify field conditions and management practices capable of minimizing runoff when animal manure is applied to frozen soils. This project will promote NRCS Conservation Practice Standard Code 799 Monitoring and Evaluation by demonstrating the prototype flow measurement gage on farm fields under winter conditions observed in Dane County, Wisconsin. It will also improve the functionality of the prototype flow gage by adding a user-friendly interface that will allow landowners to easily access gage data.