From Farm to Lake: Modeling Phosphorus Sources in the Lake Mendota Watershed

Abstract

Lake Mendota is a culturally eutrophicated water system that is susceptible to phosphorus runoff, particularly from nonpoint agricultural areas. We have performed a surface analysis of the lake’s watershed using the Soil and Water Analysis Tool (SWAT), which allows for a prediction of agricultural sites that are most naturally susceptible to contributing phosphorus into the lake system.