Agricultural runoff: identifying flexibility by modeling production practices

Abstract

To guide research on methods for reducing erosive surface runoff, while avoiding unfeasible solutions, it was of interest to assess how much leeway farmers have in this regard. The study was conducted in the Caux area (Seine-Maritime, France), which is susceptible to surface runoff and erosion. We investigated the possibility of moving crop rotations around the farm to avoid growing crops most susceptible to runoff at the uphill end. We also assessed the possibility of introducing new options that reduce surface runoff into the farming calendar. These questions were first dealt with in separate fields using a rotation decision model, and then a work-planning decision model was used to assess the farm as a whole. We showed for a stylised case that farmers have not much leeway for rotation-blocks modifications. The work-planning model indicates that it should be possible to introduce an intermediate crop, but only on one-sixth of the overall area. The ultimate solutions should involve cultivation procedures that do not disrupt the farmer's work-planning model, and operational strategies that make runoff control compatible with productive farming. Research to this end is currently under way.