Agricultural Water Management Proceedings of a Workshop in Tunisia (2007) / Chapter Skim
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Web-Based Ecological Decision Support System
Web-Based Ecological Decision Support System
Pages 122-131
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From page 122... ...
In this paper, we will explore the use of computer simulation models and related information technologies that aid in the assessment, analysis, and management of agro-eco-production systems for improved productivity and fewer environmental hazards. Following an overview of the informatics and models used in natural resource management, we present a web-based hydrologic and hydraulic modeling package that is designed to bring the current generation of hydrologic models, which are utilized in most of the existing decision support systems, up to date.
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From page 123... ...
Natural resources and their management are intrinsically complex due to the dynamic balance and interactions among coexisting biotic agents and their abiotic environments within an ecosystem. Computer models have long been used for research on complex ecosystems, forming the basis for an integrated, system approach to management planning and implementation guidance.
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From page 124... ...
Current watershed or the larger basin scale models have adopted the grid cell system to represent the spatial diversity within these geo-management units. However, the interactions among the cell elements remain predominantly those of overland runoff and groundwater flow, and subsequently eroded sediment, nutrient, and other harmful chemicals.
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From page 125... ...
The Web-Based Ecological Modeling System Our project aimed to create a centralized, web-based modeling environment where users can have access to hydrologic/hydraulic models and ecological models to facilitate the decision making process in projects related to runoff estimation, contaminated site remediation, reservoir siting, and pasture based production system management. All models have been under continuous development by our research group at the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University.
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From page 126... ...
The model was field tested in an un-enhanced, mixed pasture under a black walnut tree canopy in Indiana, USA. The model simulated the multi-species forage growth in competition both under tree canopy and in open pasture.
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From page 127... ...
An online GIS digitizing tool helps users locate potential watershed, extract spatial data related to hydrologic characteristics to be used as input for hydrologic models, which in turn produces needed runoff estimates from sub watersheds, together with land use and land cover data and expert opinions to produce a single Reservoir Suitability Index (RSI)
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From page 128... ...
The discretization of a watershed would allow the use of finite element based hydrologic models over large watersheds. When coupled with other ecologic modeling components over such gridcell based systems, we can truly achieve the much sought scaling capacity to conduct simulations across multiple scales.
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From page 129... ...
It can be quickly reconfigured to fit an individual user's needs or a particular application. Future development of comprehensive and yet flexible modeling systems for decision support hinges on the following: • Digital data storage and management using Web-GIS enabled database management systems; • Logical management and organization of web-based modeling systems composed of an ensemble of independent models, each of which functions at a specific spatial and temporal scale, with the end goal of dynamic creation of user oriented applications using appropriate models and data combination; • Web-GIS mediated scaling of modeling systems to achieve a proper level of detailed simulation for specific applications; • Post modeling recommendations based on combined quantitative modeling results and other social and economic factors; Continued model development at the process level.2 • 2 Acknowledgments This work was partially supported by grants from NSF, CIC, Purdue global initiative, Purdue Research Foundation, Indiana water resources center, Funds for Rural America, USDA challenge grant, and USAID.
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From page 130... ...
A hydro-spatial hierarchy method for siting water harvesting reservoirs in dry areas. Applied Engineering in Agriculture, 16(4)
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From page 131... ...
Web GIS and Hydrologic Modeling for Siting Water Harvesting Reservoirs. 2004 ASAE Annual Meeting, Paper number 042149, Fairmont Chateau Laurier, The Westin, Government Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 1-4 August 2004.
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