SWAT+ Advanced Workshop Information

The SWAT+ Advanced Workshop is designed for participants with prior SWAT+ modeling experience. This hands-on workshop focuses on using SWAT+ Editor for land management setup (including agricultural operations, reservoir operations, and point source configuration) and SWAT+ Toolbox for hydrology and water quality calibration and validation. We will also introduce decision tables using example datasets for land management and reservoir scenarios, building on your existing knowledge to help you apply advanced tools and techniques effectively in your projects.

Recommended Background

Participants should have prior experience with SWAT+ model development. This workshop builds on the skills covered in the beginner workshop.

Software Requirements

Install QGIS Long Term Release and the latest SWAT+ Installer, which includes QSWAT+, SWAT+ Editor, and SWAT+ Toolbox. For the easiest experience during the workshop, we recommend uninstalling any old versions of the software, and installing the newest version. 

Install SWAT+

Sample Agenda

The following is an example agenda from workshops held in the past. A detailed agenda will be sent to you for the exact workshop you are attending and may differ slightly from the samples below.

Day 1
8:00-9:50am
  • Introduction to the course plan
  • Review of the training model (opening the project, discussing the configuration, reviewing the land uses, reservoirs, etc.)
  • Theoretical review of the file structure (relationship between files/databases/etc.)
  • Q&A
9:50-10:10

Break

10:10-12:00pm
  • Introduction to the SWATPlusEditor, functionality, linking structure, etc.
  • Adding a simple date-based agricultural management and reviewing the results.
  • Overview of various types of agricultural practices and operations.
  • Recap and Q&A
Day 2
8:00-9:50am
  • Review of the last day.
  • Structure and functionality of decision tables (DT).
  • Overview of the types of DTs.
  • Working with decision tables in SWATPlusEditor: use of management DTs for irrigation and fertilization
9:50-10:10

Break

10:10-12:00pm
  • Review of different types of reservoir operations using DTs.
  • Composing Decision Tables in SWAT+ Toolbox.
  • Hands on exercise creating and evaluating decision tables.
  • Recap and Q&A
Day 3
8:00-9:50am
  • Review of last day.
  • Other model configuration: point sources, atmospheric deposition, etc.
  • Model verification theory and troubleshooting.
  • Q&A
9:50-10:10

Break

10:10-12:00pm
  • Running a model with and without plant stresses.
  • Model Soft calibration using the Editor.
  • Review of the Tools for model calibration/verification/sensitivity analysis, etc.
  • Recap and Q&A
Day 4
8:00-9:50am
  • Review of last day.
  • Sensitivity Analysis theory and practice using the SWAT+Toolbox
  • Model hard calibration using the SWAT+Toolbox for stream flow
  • Q&A
9:50-10:10

Break

10:10-12:00pm
  • Model hard calibration using the SWAT+Toolbox for Water Quality
  • Recap of the course and Q&A

Upcoming Workshops

  • 7-9 Sep 2026 / Online
    SWAT+ Beginner Workshop

    From setup to simulation: your guided start in SWAT+ modeling

  • 14-16 Sep 2026 / Online
    SWAT+ Advanced Workshop

    From land management to calibration: advanced SWAT+ modeling in practice

  • 4-5 Jan 2027 / India / online
    SWAT+ Workshop

    Basics and beyond: from GIS setup to model calibration

  • 4-5 Jan 2027 / India / online
    SWAT+ gwflow Workshop

    Advanced coupled surface-groundwater simulations in SWAT+