Date of Award

4-2005

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Geography

First Advisor

Dr. Chansheng He

Second Advisor

Dr. Gregory Veeck

Third Advisor

Dr. James Biles

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

The Davis Creek watershed is the most polluted tributaries of Kalamazoo River in Kalamazoo County, Michigan. This study applied continuous simulation AnnAGNPS model, developed by USDA ARS, to estimate sediment yield and nutrient loadings and simulate the effects of proposed land use scenarios on nonpoint source pollution in the Davis Creek Watershed. Daily climate data of 1998 to 2004, Digital Elevation Model, soil, land use, hydrography, and agricultural management information were used to derive the model input parameters. The model was run continuously for the period of 1998 through 2004. The simulated results showed that erosion and sediment loadings are high at the industrial zone in the downstream but phosphorus and nitrogen loadings are high in the croplands. The critical source areas were identified as areas near the downstream industrial area along with a few portions of adjacent residential area, and croplands in the upper and middle stream area. Three types of land use scenarios were developed and their effects on water quality were simulated. The results show that No-till would reduce sediment and nutrient loadings. Urbanization might increase nutrient loadings. Expansion of the wetland is likely to reduce nitrogen loadings significantly but might increase sediment and phosphorus loading.

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Geography Commons

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