There are a variety of research topics which I have been involved, but they are all related to gaining understanding of natural systems for the purpose of managing environmental concerns. My most recent work is moving towards understanding the properties of the medium on which we grow our food and through which our water flows, namely soil, to better understand the spatial factors affecting water quality.
Recent Work |
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Using Soil Surveys to Map Quaternary Parent Materials and Landforms Across the Des Moines Lobe of Iowa and Minnesota
- Primary author
- Publication pending
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Spatial Distribution of Historical Wetland Classes on the Des Moines Lobe of Iowa
- Primary author
- Publication pending
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Potential Benefits of Wetland Filters for Tile Drainage Systems: Impact on Nitrate Loads to Mississippi River Subbasins
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Water Quality Benefits of Wetland Restoration: A Performance-Based Approach
- acknowledged contribution. Article published in "The Conservation Reserve Program - Planting for the Future: Proceedings of a National Conference", Fort Collins, CO June 6-9,2004. ed. A.W. Allen and M.W. Vandever, p. 183-190. Scientific Investigations Report 2005-5145. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center.
- Available online
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Spatial Grid Model for Estimating Nitrate Load
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Wetland Performance Modeling
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Past Involvement |
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Carbon Sequestration
My part was to take very detailed color readings of soil samples. Those color readings were then compared with carbon content to determine if color could be used as a measure of carbon content.
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Switchgrass Production (Biofuel)
I was purely grunt labor for this project. My task was to hand harvest the switchgrass within a portable square which I placed over the area to be sampled.
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Watershed Modeling with SWAT
The SWAT model has been rolled into what is now known as BASINS from the EPA. Jerry Neppel was charged with applying this model to Rathbun watershed in Iowa. I helped decipher the GIS end of things and calibrate the model.
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