The Decision Support Matrix (DSM) approach is built on a set of
tools designed to support policy and decision making. Conceptual models,
interactive tools and examples of good and bad land management practice are used
to communicate the results of research to end users such as policy makers,
farmers and agronomists. The DSM approach has proven effective for communicating
novel concepts such as integrated runoff management
and proactive interventions for improved
land management. DSMs created to date include the
Nutrient Export Risk Matrix (NERM), the
Phosphorus Export Risk Matrix (PERM) and the
Floods and Agriculture Risk Matrix (FARM).
A combination of different types of
conceptual model gives the end user a number of ways to visualise the effects
of different land management practices.
The first conceptual model consists of a cube or square on which a risk level
associated with a particular set of practices is
plotted.
Illustrations of example fields
representing good and bad practice are used to help visualise the concepts
being communicated. A simple expert system is built as an interactive tool
that allows the end user to experiment with different practices and
compare the levels of risk. Questions in the interactive DSM and the examples
are backed up by experimental data and modelling at different scales and
incorporate feedback from experts such as hydrologists, farmers and agronomists.
If carried out correctly, the policy makers using the DSM will establish policy that
encourages best management practice (within agri-environment schemes, new regulation
and legislation).
Nutrient Export Risk Matrix
The Nutrient Export Risk Matrix (NERM) is a DSM designed
to allow farmers and land use planners to assess the risk of nutrient loss from their
land and to explore options to reduce nutrient loss whilst maintaining farmer income.
Assuming that the soil type remains the same within a field then we only need to
use a 2-dimensional matrix such as the Phosphorus Export Risk Matrix (PERM)
shown in the diagram on the right.
The goal is to allow farmers to compare their current land use practice within the wider
context of alternative land management options.
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2D Phosphorus Export Risk Matrix
The 2D PERM shown below is one designed for arable farming in an area where
groundwater effects are important, hence
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Examples
Click on coloured squares for examples
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High flow-connectivity risk, high risk
due to fertiliser application
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Low flow-connectivity risk, low risk
due to fertiliser application
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Groundwater dominated system with high risk
of phosphorus reaching receiving channels
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Groundwater dominated system with low risk
of phosphorus reaching receiving channels
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Right click here to download pilot version of
the PERM in Excel
© Caspar Hewett and Paul Quinn
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Floods and Agriculture Risk Matrix
The Floods and Agriculture Risk Matrix (FARM) is a DSM designed
to help assess the risk of flooding from farm
land and to explore options for reducing flood risk.
Two flooding DSMs have been
developed to date: The FARM for arable farming and Animal FARM for
livestock farming.
The first conceptual model for the FARM consists of a square matrix
with risk axes associated with 1) Flow Connectivity and 2) Soil infiltration,
storage and tillage regime as shown in the diagram.
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