Observing the Impacts on the Spatial Allocation of Crop Acres in the Fort Cobb Watershed caused by Maximizing Profit Subject to Runoff Constraints

Abstract

Budgets for peanuts, conventional till and no-till wheat, sorghum, and CRP production were generated. Using the SWAT model annual crop, sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus yields were predicted for each hydrologic response unit. SWAT output was combined with the budget data for linear programming to compare three policy programs to reduce runoff in the watershed from cropland. These policy programs included changing the current CRP to allow producers to receive their DCP and the CRP rental payment. As sub scenarios to the policy changes sediment, nitrogen and phosphorus runoff levels were abated at increasing levels, and a policy targeting only the highest polluting acres for retirement. Targeting only phosphorus runoff would control sediment and nitrogen runoff. A policy only targeting acres with the highest runoff for abatement would increase abatement costs at any level. CRP Acres are established on the greater sloping sub basins around the perimeter of the watershed.