Quality Assurance of Weather Data for Agricultural System Model Input: A Case Study using the Walnut Creek Watershed in Central
Iowa
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Resource Abstract:
Use of agricultural system models in field research requires quality weather data for input. This chapter provides methods
to assess the integrity of rainfall, radiation, and humidity input for the Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM). These methods
were applied to a recent RZWQM application at Walnut Creek in central Iowa. Data bias of 10% in humidity, rainfall, and solar
radiation results in long-term errors of more than 40% for nitrate loss in tile drains from these RZWQM simulations. Actual
weather records show measurement errors in rain, solar radiation, and humidity of 10% or more. The quality assurance procedures
described here will help model users detect erroneous weather measurements, which will help improve their model simulations
through more accurate simulations and higher confidence in the weather input.
Citation
Title Quality Assurance of Weather Data for Agricultural System Model Input: A Case Study using the Walnut Creek Watershed in Central
Iowa