Progress 09/15/23 to 09/14/24

Outputs
Target Audience: 1. Undergraduate and Graduate Students: • There were several students enrolled in the BSc in Agricultural and Environmental Systems and the MSc in Soil Sciences programs who actively participated in project activities, including the setup and utilization of the rainfall simulator and soil erosion plots. • Two graduate students were engaged in research activities involving soil sampling, characterization, and soil erosion experiments. • One undergraduate students worked on developing a tutorial of the handheld 3D laser scanner. 2. Local Farmers and Community Members: • Training sessions on rainwater harvesting systems and their application were conducted for small farmers and local community stakeholders. Educational materials and demonstrations were tailored to address practical challenges in water resource management. Changes/Problems:1. Shift in Methodological Approach: The use of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for sediment tracing proved to be ineffective in producing reliable results for our research objectives. As a result, we have discontinued this approach and are reallocating resources to alternative methodologies that better support the project's goals by collaborating with a colleague in the same College of Agricultural Sciences who aqcuired a pXRF handheld. Additionally, due to the successful refurbishment of a structured-based rainfall simulator, which is adaptable for both field and laboratory use, there is no need to further invest in facility improvements to house this equipment. The saved resources are being redirected toward the establishment of a Remote and Proximal Sensing Laboratory to enhance our research capabilities. 2. Retention Challenges for Graduate Students: Retaining graduate students within the program has become a significant challenge due to the aggressive recruiting efforts of agencies such as the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), and other entities. Several graduate students from our research group have left the program prematurely to accept employment opportunities, leaving their degrees incomplete. This turnover impacts our ability to maintain continuity in research projects and achieve the full educational impact envisioned. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?- Extension Component Organized a large workshop in collaboration with the Water and Environmental Research Institute of Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority to train state employees in the design and installation of rainfall water harvesting systems. This workshop aligned with the anticipated approval ofLey 91-2024, which promotes rainwater harvesting across Puerto Rico. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results of the project have been effectively shared through the following methods: 1. Workshops: Key extension activities included training sessions and educational workshops. 2. Scientific Publications: Research findings and results generated under the project were shared through peer-reviewed publications. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?To continue advancing the project's goals, the following actions are planned for the next reporting period: 1. Rebudgeting Request:A formal rebudgeting request will be submitted to reallocate funds originally designated for materials and suppliesto build a rainfall simulator and to adapt the facilities to house the research equipment. Since we saved funds by refurbishing a structured-based rainfall simulator that can be used in the field and in laboratory conditions,funds will be repurposed to invest in the development of a Remote and Proximal Sensing Laboratory. 2.Remote and Proximal Sensing Laboratory: Authorization has been requested and granted bythe Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) to invest in the development of a Remote and Proximal Sensing Laboratory. This laboratory will enhance the project's capabilities in analyzing soil and water systems using advanced sensing technologies, supporting research and educational objectives. These adjustments will optimize resource allocation, improve research capabilities, and align with the project's overarching goals of fostering multidisciplinary education and research in soil erosion and sediment transport.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? - Research Component Synergistic funding was achieved by submitting a successful internal proposal through the Water and Environmental Research Institute of Puerto Rico to establish a rainfall water harvesting system at the Alzamora Farm. This system will serve as a source of natural rainfall water for field-based soil erosion experiments, enhancing research capabilities beyond laboratory settings. Collaboration with the Federal University of Lavras (Brazil) facilitated the exchange of knowledge, culminating in the publication of findings on sediment fingerprinting in tropical environments. Graduate and undergraduate students were actively engaged in research projects, gaining hands-on experience with advanced technologies while enhancing their leadership and problem-solving skills. -Extension Component Organized several workshops in collaboration with the Water and Environmental Research Institute of Puerto Rico and thePuerto Rico Extension Service to train local farmers and various stakeholdersin the design and installation of rainfall water harvesting systems and their practical applications in agriculture.

Publications

• Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Bonilla-Roman, Y.N.; Acu�a-Guzman, S.F. Resilience of an Urban Coastal Ecosystem in the Caribbean: A Remote Sensing Approach in Western Puerto Rico. Earth 2024, 5, 7289. https://doi.org/10.3390/earth5010004

Progress 09/15/22 to 09/14/23

Outputs
Target Audience:This scientific andeducational project on soil erosion and sediment transporthas successfully engaged a diverse and dynamic target audience throughout the reporting period from September 2022 to September 2023. The primary beneficiaries of this initiative are undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in Agricultural and Environmental Systems, and Soil Sciences. One graduate studentof the MSc in Soils was primarily involved in the construction and calibration of the rainfall simulator. Undergraduate students participating in the BSc in Agricultural and Environmental Systems,offered by the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE), have actively contributed to the project's objectives. Through hands-on learning experiences, these students have been involved in the utilization of the rainfall simulator, gaining practical insights into soil erosion processes. Their engagement has not only deepened their understanding of agricultural challenges but has also equipped them with valuable problem-solving skills. In addition to students, faculty members from the College of Agricultural Sciences and the College of Engineering have actively contributed to the project's success. Professors overseeing the various project objectives have provided guidance and expertise, fostering an environment of knowledge exchange and collaboration. Changes/Problems:No changes were necessary; however, we encountered challenges at the beginning of the project, as it was delayed due to Hurricane Fiona. Western Puerto Rico experienced numerous power outages after Hurricane Fiona, leading to the closure of UPRM offices until conditions were deemed safe for University employees to return to work. Despite the official initiation date of the project being September 15, 2022, the finalization of the project award and accounting was postponed until September 27, 2022. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has demonstrated success in enhancing the capabilities of the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE), thereby expanding experiential learning opportunities in water and soil stewardship. This initiative actively engages faculty and undergraduate students in laboratory practices, providing them with the platform to bring knowledge to the field. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The scientific community has received refereed communication regarding the research efforts in sediment fingerprinting. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?As we move into the second year of the project, plans are underway to initiate training sessions and sample processing under controlled laboratory conditions using the acquired proximal sensors and the rainfall simulator. This strategic approach aims to maximize the utility of the equipment, ensuring its integration into our research and educational endeavors. It is also expected to offer training opportunities through extension activities, including hosting high school students and other local stakeholders.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? During the reporting period spanning from September 2022 to September 2023, our scientific and educational project focused on increasing the capabilities of the UPRMin the areas of soil erosion and sediment transport. The project team percieves we achieved significant milestones, including the successful construction of a rainfall simulator,and the design and installation of a rainwater harvesting system. In the context of the Research Component, an ongoing collaboration with faculty members from the Federal University of Lavras (Brazil) allowed dissemination of partial results regarding sediment 'fingerprinting'. The project director (PD) had the opportunity to present a research paper at a prestigious conference. Additionally, a publication in a well-established scientific journal was achieved toshowcase the significance of our research efforts. Regarding the acquisition of State-of-the-Art equipment, the project made substantial progress by finalizing the administrative process to buy and recieve cutting-edge equipment: laser-induced breakdown spectrometer, laser/LED surface scanner, and NIXcolor spectrophotometer.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Lima, W. de; Mancini, M.; Avanzi, J.C.; Silva, S.H.G.; Acu�a-Guzman, S.F.; Dematt�, J.A.M.; Curi, N. 2023. Usage of Proximal Sensing to Trace the Origin of Deposited Sediments in a Drainage Subbasin. ASABE Soil Erosion Research under a Changing Climate, Paper No. 23066, pages 1-2. Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, USA, January 8-13, 2023. DOI:10.13031/soil.23066
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Lima, W. de; Mancini, M.; Avanzi, J.C.; Silva, S.H.G.; Acu�a-Guzman, S.F.; Dematt�, J.A.M.; Curi, N. 2023. Tracing the origin of deposited sediments: A study applying proximal sensing in a drainage subbasin. Journal of South American Earth Sciences, 123. DOI:10.1016/j.jsames.2023.104241