The Original USDA-ARS Experimental Watersheds in Texas and Ohio: Contributions from the Past and Visions for the Future

Authors

R. D. Harmel, USDA‐ARS
J. V. Bonta, USDA‐ARS
C. W. Richardson, USDA‐ARS

Date of this Version

2007

Comments

Published in Transactions of the ASABE Vol. 50(5): 1669-1675.

Abstract

The USDA Soil Conservation Service (USDA‐SCS) realized the importance of understanding hydrologic processes on agricultural fields and watersheds in the mid‐1930s. Based on this realization, the research program of the Hydrologic Division of SCS established three experimental watersheds across the U.S. to analyze the impact of landuse practices on soil erosion, flood events, water resources, and the agricultural economy. Two of the original watersheds remain in operation today within the USDA Agricultural Research Service (USDA‐ARS): the Blacklands Experimental Watershed (now the Grassland, Soil and Water Research Laboratory) near Riesel, Texas, and the North Appalachian Experimental Watershed near Coshocton, Ohio. These original watersheds were designed for collection of hydrologic data on small watersheds and evaluation of hydrologic and soil loss response as influenced by various agricultural land management practices. A major contribution of these experimental watersheds is the quantification of soil loss reduction under conservation management, which has led to a drastic reduction in soil loss from cultivated agriculture in the 20th century. Riesel watershed studies produced the scientific basis for several watershed models that are now used worldwide to manage water quality and also facilitated fundamental analysis of the agronomic and environmental effects of tillage, fertilizer, and pesticide alternatives. Coshocton watershed studies led to the development of no‐till and pasture management practices to control runoff, erosion, and chemical loss and were instrumental in understanding water quality and hydrologic effects of soil macropores and mining and reclamation activities. The long‐term hydrologic records at each site have also improved understanding and management of water resources in their respective geographic regions. Because of their historical and future value, the USDA‐ARS has a unique responsibility to maintain these long‐term experimental watersheds, which are vital for addressing emerging research needs to meet future water availability, environmental quality, and food and fiber demands.