identify a physical location in the U.S.A. (this location could be a forest preserve, a farm, a recreational area, mining site, reclaimed wetland) where conservation practices and ‘land productivity’ can be improved through programs and policies. Note, productivity can be defined in terms of crop yield and/or other ecosystem services (eg: providing habitat for pollinators). Clarify what productive functions you are concerned about.
Explain why there is a need for the program (provide a justification tied to productivity constraints) using data that shows trends (a negative outcome like declining water quality, loss of habitat). Your description of the problem should include a description of the soil resource of interest in a representative area using web-soil survey (there are helpful links at the end of this document to get you started) and other relevant sources that help you understand the site and factors that influence it’s functionality. Factors could include soil type, climate, and land use that impact the long term productivity of that site. *If your paper covers a region or large area then you will need to choose a representative area in web-soil survey using the area of interest that is appropriate. Assess soil productivity (functionality) using relevant metrics and produce and attach a soil report. The info you select to include in this report should be logically related to the soil function(s) you want to improve.
Identify a conservation program or policy that has been used to address issues of concern (protect or increase land productivity. This addresses the problem by improving soil or land function. Summarize when, why and how the conservation program was developed. Clearly state the program or policy objectives and explain how the program or policy has been administered. Discuss who is eligible if relevant.
Summarize program performance in terms of outcomes- this may be acres covered, numbers of participants, and/or dollars spent. You can do this for the state or region that includes the area you selected. Discuss whether the program has been a success based on improved ecosystem services, or outcomes (eg: reduced erosion rates) achieved. Try to use data to support your assessment. Please use tables or figures to illustrate this if possible. Metrics do not have to match those selected from Web Soil Survey exactly but should be logically related.
Estimate the potential benefits of the program in terms of increases in productivity as defined in section 1. You can use an analysis tool like Wepp, GREET, or another resource that fits your objectives. This will be easiest for a small area. Alternatively, you can make an argument citing data that shows how practice implemented would increase the performance of a site/system similar to the one you have chosen. Again, try to support your argument with a table or figure.
Conclude the paper with a discussion of issues that will influence the success of the effort, comment on strengths and weaknesses of the program or policy and identify tactics that will increase chances for a good and lasting outcome.
Cite references and data sources used. For the citations comply with the science citation quide: http://www.scientificstyleandformat.org/Tools/SSF-Citation-Quick-Guide.html (Links to an external site.).
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