A Computer Simulation Model
DRAINMOD at NC State
DRAINMOD is a computer simulation model developed by Dr. Wayne Skaggs at North Carolina State University in 1980. It simulates the hydrology of poorly drained, high water table soils on an hour-by-hour, day-by-day basis, over long periods (e.g., 50 years). The model predicts the effects of drainage and water management practices on water table depths, soil water conditions, and crop yields. DRAINMOD has been used to analyze wetland hydrology and evaluate drainage systems for wastewater treatment. Over the last 20 years, its capabilities have expanded to assess both agricultural and forested land hydrology and water quality on field and watershed scales.
Goals:
Conduct studies and create models to understand pollutant transport and fate, linking them to field-scale models for assessing cumulative watershed impacts from land use and management practices.
Develop methods for managing water, fertilizers, and pesticides to reduce environmental pollutants while improving agricultural productivity.
Create simulation models to evaluate how different management practices affect water quality and crop yields.
Develop techniques to manage the hydrology and water quality of drained forested wetlands and restore their functions.