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A Geographic Information System for identification of potential alternative crops utilizing soil and climatic variables in the Bighorn Basin, Wyoming

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2009

J.A. Young ,
G.F. Vance ,
L.C. Munn ,
B.M. Christensen  and
M.S. Schaad
J.A. Young
Affiliation:
GIS Analyst, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service/U.S. Forest Service/USDI Bureau of Land Management Special Services, Pindale, WY 82941-0036;
G.F. Vance*
Affiliation:
Professors, Department of Renewable Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071-3354;
L.C. Munn
Affiliation:
Professors, Department of Renewable Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071-3354;
B.M. Christensen
Affiliation:
GIS Technician, Laramie County Conservation District, 11221 Highway 30, Cheyenne, WY 82001;
M.S. Schaad
Affiliation:
Water Rights Management Specialist, State Engineers Office, Herschler Building 4E, Cheyenne, WY 82002-0370.
*
Corresponding author is G.F. Vance ([email protected]).
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Abstract

The Bighorn Basin is an important agricultural region in Wyoming. To promote expansion of economic prospects within the Bighorn Basin, we explored the feasibility of introducing alternative crops into the area. Currently, the major crops in this region are sugar beet, barley, alfalfas, and dry beans. Diversification of agricultural cropping systems within the Bighorn Basin is an important step in enhancing the state's economy. This research provides preliminary results for evaluating diversification by determining crops that may potentially be cultivated in the Bighorn Basin region. Four of the 28 alternative crops investigated in this project include amaranth, buckwheat, canola, and faba bean. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to combine spatial data identifying areas with unique combinations of characteristics (e.g., soils, frost-free period, temperature, etc.) for introduction of new crops. The GIS was used to compile data layers for different soil and climatic variables. A soils data layer was developed for the study area using a predictive model based on the region's surficial geology, bedrock geology, and elevation. Monthly minimum, mean, and maximum summer temperatures, precipitation, growing degree-days and frost-free season were obtainedfrom weatherstations located in the Bighorn Basin, where 30-year averages have been collected by the National Climate Data Center. Using geostatistics, information obtainedfrom weather stations was utilized to develop continuous data layers for 31 climatic conditions related to the study area. A compilation of growth parameters for 28 alternative crops included various soil and climatic conditions that were used to identify areas with potential to support these new crops. Maps of alternative crop production areas suggested that 8 crops (amaranth, chickpea, onion, quinoa, saffiower, sesame, sorghum, and sunflower) could potentially be cultivated in eastern Bighorn Basin where temperatures are warmer, another 12 crops (broccoli, buckwheat, canola, carrot, cauliflower, crambe, Kentucky bluegrass turf seed, leek, lentil, lettuce, mint, and radish) could be produced in western Bighorn Basin where temperatures are cooler, and 8 additional crops (asparagus, beet, cabbage, cowpea, faba bean, field pea, medic seed, and tall fescue turf seed) may possibly be cultivated throughout the Bighorn Basin study area in suitable soils. The alternative crop production area maps derived from this projectwillbe useful to potential growers, land-use planners, and county and state agencies in the Bighorn Basin seeking information on different agricultural practices and new production systems.

Keywords

climatic data layersgeostatisticssoils data layers
Type
Articles
Information
American Journal of Alternative Agriculture , Volume 15 , Issue 4 , December 2000 , pp. 160 - 170
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2000

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