Applying a coupled hydrologic-economic modeling framework: Evaluating conjunctive use strategies for alleviating seasonal watershed impacts caused by agricultural intensification

Economic models and watershed provide useful results, but when seeking to integrate these systems, the temporal units typically utilized by must be reconciled. A hydrologic-economic modeling framework is built couple Hydrological Simulation Program-Fortran (HSPF), representing system, with Rectangular Choice-of-Technology (RCOT) model, an extension of basic input-output (I-O) model. This implemented at different sub-annual timesteps gain insight in selecting best suited for addressing questions interest both economists hydrologists. Scenarios are designed examine seasonal increases nitrogen concentration that occur because agricultural intensification Cedar Run Watershed, located Fauquier County, northern Virginia. These scenarios also evaluate selection among surface water, groundwater, or a mix (conjunctive use) practices irrigation within crop farming sector response impacts. When occurs implementing conjunctive use reduces specified limits. The most efficient strategies explicitly considered varies depending on which timestep scenario: bi-annual (wet dry season) vs. timestep. captures interactions between economic systems resolution expands range one can address beyond those analyzed using individual linked this framework.