Updated Soil Conservation Practice Simulation with the WEPP Model

Abstract. The USDA Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) model is a process-based soil erosion prediction simulation model that has been developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) since 1985. WEPP is a continuous simulation, distributed parameter, computer program that simulates important physical processes including infiltration, runoff, soil detachment by raindrops and shallow overland flow, soil detachment by excess flow shear stress in rills, sediment transport, and sediment deposition. It also contains plant growth, soil tillage disturbance, residue management, and residue decomposition components. Recently the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has moved to incorporate WEPP as the erosion prediction technology for use by their field offices in conservation planning activities. During the past two years, new web-based model interfaces have been developed, and additional changes have been incorporated into the WEPP science model to better accommodate the needs of NRCS in representing various soil conservation practices. The interfaces are linked to NRCS climate, soils, and land management databases, allowing for rapid and easy user selection and modification of input scenarios, model simulations, and interpretation of output results. This presentation will detail the most recent status of the WEPP model, interfaces, databases, and improved ways to represent important NRCS soil conservation practices.