Multi-criteria optimization of watershed management practices for sediment, nutrient & pesticide control

Purdue University will develop a multi-criteria optimization-based planning tool that searches for a spatially optimal management plan for watershed management practices for sediment, nutrient and pesticide control in an efficient fashion. The planning tool is comprised of a watershed model (SWAT - Soil and Water Assessment Tool), an economic model, and a genetic algorithm. Preliminary results using a similar genetic algorithm based approach indicated that for a watershed in Indiana, the optimized plan would cost 2.5 times less than a targeting plan, providing the same level of sediment and nutrient reductions. A method is proposed to incorporate the producers willingness to participate in the management plan. The tool will be applied to derive near optimal management plans for sediment, nutrient, and pesticide control in three watersheds in Indiana. The successful completion of the project will result in a tool that could greatly increase the water quality benefits for resources spent on conservation plans.