2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The Wind Erosion Prediction System (WEPS)is being developed in response to requests for improved erosion prediction technology for use by NRCS, as well as other government agencies and conservation partners. ARS has signed an Agreement with NRCS detailing the delivery and testing of WEPS 1.0 within their agency. Delivery of WEPS 1.0 includes delivery of documented code and working with NRCS in a staged testing process that insures the product meets NRCS requirements to the field office level. The WEPS 1.0 code documentation consists of a) technical documentation for all science modules and b) full JavaDoc for all interface code. The support required for the staged testing process includes programming support for a) all science code changes needed to meet tester identified science issues and b) all interface changes needed to meet tester identified usability issues. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) We are in the second year of a two-year Agreement between ARS and NRCS detailing the testing and delivery of WEPS 1.0 to NRCS. We are now entering the second phase of NRCS testing and review. Issues that are identified during this regional testing phase need to be addressed in a timely manner. Needed interface fixes identified by testers will be addressed before the next testing session. Complete JavaDoc compliant documentation for all interface code elements will also be completed, allowing NRCS to maintain the code as necessary. 05-IA-5430-0324 3.Progress Report This documents research conducted under an Interagency Reimbursable Agreement between ARS and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the in-house associated project 5430-11120-007-00D, Particulate Emissions From Wind Erosion: Processes, Assessment, and Control. a. Updated WEPS 1.0 science and interface technical documentation as needed based on model changes. b. Trained the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) WEPS 1.0 testers/reviewers at five NRCS testing workshops. c. Provide technical support to NRCS throughout the second phase of the NRCS WEPS testing period, including addressing any bugs or other problems with the WEPS 1.0 model and related software. d. Kept the NRCS Responsible Person (Mike Sporcic) informed of any changes to WEPS 1.0. e. Wrote and presented “The Management Submodel in the Wind Erosion Prediction System” on selected WEPS components (submodels) at 2007 American Society of Biological and Agricultural Engineers (ASABE). f) Made numerous interface improvements and bug fixes based upon feedback from NRCS testers/reviewers located during the second phase of NRCS WEPS testing. g) Updated the online help and User's Guide to reflect changes made to WEPS and in response to NRCS comments. h. Addressed soil submodel issues introduced by new (WEPP-based) hydrology submodel. i. Provided an email option that allows use of Microsoft Outlook email client for NRCS WEPS users. j. Fixed yield calibration feature so that it always works when “calibrating” yields for multiple crops simultaneously. k. Flagged all soil properties that are currently being “estimated” if they are not found in the NRCS Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) database as errors instead and refuse to load the selected soil record. NRCS wants their soil database completely populated with the properties that WEPS requires and this approach will ensure that the database does indeed get fully populated. Methods used to monitor this project included, discussing project plans, reviewing program goals and accomplishments with the Cooperator’s PI at ARS and NRCS facilities; by teleconference, e-mail or other types of written correspondence; providing technical advice to Cooperator’s personnel; and, conducting site visits at Cooperator’s facilities.