Southwest US dust monitoring and mitigation symposium

TitleSouthwest US dust monitoring and mitigation symposium
Publication TypeConference Paper
Year of Publication2018
AuthorsElias EH, Brown DA, Smarik S, Webb N, Dubois D
Conference Name73rd Soil and Water Conservation Society International Annual Conference
Date Published08/2018
Conference LocationAlbuquerque, New Mexico
ARIS Log Number349371
Abstract

We propose a symposium to address dust monitoring and mitigation in semi-arid agricultural settings, with a focus on the Southwest United States. Participants representing NRCS, ARS, the USDA Southwest and Southern Plains Climate Hubs, land-grant universities, and other key partners will discuss various aspects of dust monitoring (e.g., National Wind Erosion Network establishment) and mitigation (e.g., best practices for land management). The impacts of climate variability and change on existing and projected regional dust generation and air quality will provide the foundation for discussion of interdisciplinary and interconnected impacts, such as changes in water availability, soil quality, and management practice implications for long-term sustainability and resilience.  Presentation of dust mitigation recommendations and an update on a new USDA-sponsored draft dust mitigation handbook, organized by production type, will be followed by audience participation and feedback focused on practicable solutions and discussion of future field research and demonstration projects. Relevant audience recommendations and feedback will be incorporated into the final version of the USDA dust monitoring and mitigation handbook. We propose one 90-minute session wherein a series of presentations (60-minutes) will be followed by presentation and audience feedback and interaction on the USDA dust monitoring and mitigation handbook. The symposium will be moderated by the organizers.