Xuyang Zhang

xuyzhang@ucdavis.edu
Graduate program: Ecology

Education

September 1999 - July 2003: Bachelor of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology Zhejiang University, China
September 2003 - Current: PhD student of Ecology, UC Davis

Area of Emphasis

Agriculture Ecology

Research Interests

The effectiveness of Best Management Practices (BMPs) in reducing surface runoff of pesticides
GIS Modeling of hydrologic systems in agricultural land to study the impact of BMPs on surface water quality
Pesticide use pattern analyses to study the pest management practices by almond growers in San Joaquin Valley of California

Thesis Project (Funded by California State Water Resources Control Board)

The purpose of this project is to develop a watershed approach to restrict the movement of OPs and pyrethroids pesticides from almond orchards into water bodies within the San Joaquin River watershed. The project will combine GIS watershed-assessment tool, specific BMP pilot studies, and water quality monitoring to assess the effectiveness of various BMP systems in reducing pesticide loads in the Orestimba Creek and Del Puerto Creek subwatersheds. The specific project objectives include:
1) Develop a GIS watershed assessment tool and database to estimate the efficacy of various BMPs in reducing OP and pyrethroid concentrations in runoff from almond orchards in the San Joaquin River watershed.

2) Perform BMP effectiveness analyses using:

a) Literature review
b) Assessment tools: Better Assessment Science Integrating Point & Non-point Sources (BASINS) and Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT).
c) Pilot studies and monitoring data (cultivation of native vegetation; application timing)

3) Evaluate the economic effectiveness of the most efficacious BMPs based on costs and benefits to the affected receiving waters.
4) Collaborate and share results with growers/stakeholders through outreach, education, publications, and technology transfer.