Direct Observation of Sediment and Carbon Connectivity: Evaluating Degradation Pathways, Conservation Implementation and True Cost Accounting: Progress Report

This BIOAg progress report describes ongoing work using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imaging and photogrammetry to directly observe sediment movement and soil carbon redistribution across Palouse agricultural landscapes during water year 2021. High-resolution drone flights at multiple elevations, supported by 30 ground control points and differential GPS, are being used to quantify erosion dynamics in space and time.

The project integrates multispectral imaging (MicaSense NIR sensor) with soil sampling to estimate soil organic carbon distribution and evaluate erosion-driven carbon transport. Observed erosion patterns are compared with modeled critical source areas (CSAs) and conservation planning outputs developed with the Palouse Conservation District. The team is also developing a spatially explicit true cost accounting framework that links sediment loss, soil organic carbon redistribution, yield data, and enterprise budgets to identify economically and environmentally significant hotspots.

Preliminary activities include site establishment, repeated UAV missions, soil sampling, and training of a graduate student in remote sensing and field methods. Results will inform precision conservation and sub-field scale management recommendations.