Abstract
Mapping Crop Damage Track: Agriculture Author(s): Mounir Louhaichi, Douglas Johnson, Michael Borman, Adele Johnson Conservation programs have resulted in an increase of Canada goose (Branta canadensis) populations in the Pacific Northwest. Substantial crop damage has been reported by farmers and the Oregon Department of Agriculture; however, results from several studies differ on the extent of grazing impacts on yield. Recently developed technologies provide opportunities to more accurately measure crop yields and damage resulting from wildlife or other factors. We conducted two research studies that developed methods documenting when and where geese were grazing, their impact on plants, and their effect on crop yields. Animal use and extent of plant defoliation were quantified via remote sensing and ground survey technologies. Crop yields were measured with GPS equipped harvesters and mapped with ArcGIS. The effect of factors that reduce crop yield was modeled from this data and estimates of damage computed. By using this approach, one can quantify impacts and evaluate the effectiveness of programs that mitigate losses. Mounir Louhaichi Oregon State University Rangeland Resources 202 Strand Ag. Hall Corvallis , OR 97331-2218 US Phone: 541 737 1620 Fax: 541 737 0504 E-mail: Mounir.Louhaichi@oregonstate.edu Douglas Johnson Oregon State University Rangeland Resources 202 Strand Ag. Hall Corvallis , OR 97331-2218 US Phone: 541-737-1624 Fax: 541-737-0504 E-mail: douglas.e.johnson@oregonstate.edu Michael Borman Oregon State university Rangeland resources 202 Strand Ag. Hall Corvallis , OR 97331-2218 US Phone: 541-737-1614 Fax: 541-737-0504 E-mail: michael.borman@oregonstate.edu Adele Johnson Oregon State University Geoscience Wilkinson Hall Corvallis , OR 97331 US Phone: 541-737-1201 E-mail: Adele.Johnson@geo.oregonstate.edu |
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