AUTHORS: Lisa Schulte Moore*, Robert Valek, Carrie M. Chennault, John C. Tyndall – Iowa State University
ABSTRACT: PEWI, or People in Ecosystems/Watershed Integration, is a simple web-based learning tool designed to help people understand human-landscape interactions and ecosystem service tradeoffs. PEWI addresses society’s desire to balance agricultural production with other environmental benefits, including clean water, abundant wildlife, and recreation, among others. PEWI offers a simple approach: users design and evaluate land use patterns on a virtual US Corn Belt watershed across multiple years and variable weather conditions. PEWI illustrates agronomic, soil, water, and biodiversity management principles important for sustainable land use and land management. PEWI is an open-source project that can be used on one’s own, in classrooms, and with community groups. We are presently expanding PEWI to be able to address research objectives regarding human-landscape interactions. While PEWI focuses on the US Corn Belt, lessons can apply to agricultural regions globally. More information can be found at https://www.nrem.iastate.edu/pewi.
