Valuation of nitrogen retention as an ecosystem service on a catchment scale

2013 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 411-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katri Rankinen ◽  
Kirsti Granlund ◽  
Randall Etheridge ◽  
Pentti Seuri
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Service ◽  
Nutrient Recycling ◽  
Nitrogen Retention ◽  
Animal Husbandry ◽  
N Leaching ◽  
Management Scenarios ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Artificial Wetlands ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Policy Proposal

An ecosystem service approach was used to study the water purification service exemplified by impacts of land management scenarios. Nitrogen retention was calculated in two agricultural catchments by the dynamic Integrated Nutrients in Catchments (INCA)-N model. The monetary valuation was based on purification efficiency of artificial wetlands. The set of scenarios were based on existing agricultural water protection measures, and greening of the Common Agricultural Policy proposal. Scenarios were: wintertime crop cover on fields, increase in area of set aside land, decrease in nitrogen fertilization, crop diversification and nutrient recycling in organic farming. Nitrogen retention provided more value in the Yläneenjoki catchment where the main production line was animal husbandry. In the slowly flowing river Lepsämänjoki, the N retention was more effective than in the fast flowing river Yläneenjoki. When comparing measures some proved to have no value or even a negative value. Set aside had a high positive value when calculated per area, but on a catchment scale the value remained low because of the small area of implementation. Nutrient recycling and winter time vegetation cover were the scenarios that reduced N leaching from fields close to targets set in current political decisions. None of the scenarios increased greenhouse gas emissions.

scholarly journals The influence of riparian evapotranspiration on stream hydrology and nitrogen retention in a subhumid Mediterranean catchment

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (9) ◽  
pp. 3831-3842 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Lupon ◽  
Susana Bernal ◽  
Sílvia Poblador ◽  
Eugènia Martí ◽  
Francesc Sabater
Keyword(s):  
Riparian Zone ◽  
Riparian Forest ◽  
Nitrogen Retention ◽  
Ammonium Uptake ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Small Component ◽  
Vegetative Period ◽  
Nitrogen Concentrations ◽  
Stream Hydrology ◽  
Annual Water

Abstract. Riparian evapotranspiration (ET) can influence stream hydrology at catchment scale by promoting the net loss of water from the stream towards the riparian zone (i.e., stream hydrological retention). However, the consequences of stream hydrological retention on nitrogen dynamics are not well understood. To fill this gap of knowledge, we investigated changes in riparian ET, stream discharge, and nutrient chemistry in two contiguous reaches (headwater and valley) with contrasted riparian forest size in a small forested Mediterranean catchment. Additionally, riparian groundwater level (hgw) was measured at the valley reach. The temporal pattern of riparian ET was similar between reaches, and was positively correlated with hgw (ρ  =  0.60) and negatively correlated with net riparian groundwater inputs (ρ  <  −0.55). During the vegetative period, stream hydrological retention occurred mostly at the valley reach (59 % of the time), and was accompanied by in-stream nitrate release and ammonium uptake. During the dormant period, when the stream gained water from riparian groundwater, results showed small influences of riparian ET on stream hydrology and nitrogen concentrations. Despite being a small component of annual water budgets (4.5 %), our results highlight that riparian ET drives stream and groundwater hydrology in this Mediterranean catchment and, furthermore, question the potential of the riparian zone as a natural filter of nitrogen loads.

scholarly journals Nitrogen Risk Assessment Model for Scotland: II. Hydrological transport and model testing

2004 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 205-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. Dunn ◽  
A. Lilly ◽  
J. DeGroote ◽  
A. J. A. Vinten
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Transport Model ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Preceding Paper ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Balance Model ◽  
N Leaching ◽  
Risk Assessment Model ◽  
National Scale ◽  
Catchment Scale

Abstract. The amount and concentration of N in catchment runoff is strongly controlled by a number of hydrological influences, such as leaching rates and the rate of transport of N from the land to surface water bodies. This paper describes how the principal hydrological controls at a catchment scale have been represented within the Nitrogen Risk Assessment Model for Scotland (NIRAMS); it demonstrates their influence through application of the model to eight Scottish catchments, contrasting in terms of their land use, climate and topography. Calculation of N leaching rates, described in the preceding paper (Dunn et al., 2004), is based on soil water content determined by application of a weekly water balance model. This model uses national scale datasets and has been developed and applied to the whole of Scotland using five years of historical meteorological data. A catchment scale transport model, constructed from a 50m digital elevation model, routes flows of N through the sub-surface and groundwater to the stream system. The results of the simulations carried out for eight different catchments demonstrate that the NIRAMS model is capable of predicting time-series of weekly stream flows and N concentrations, to an acceptable degree of accuracy. The model provides an appropriate framework for risk assessment applications requiring predictions in ungauged catchments and at a national scale. Analysis of the model behaviour shows that streamwater N concentrations are controlled both by the rate of supply of N from leaching as well as the rate of transport of N from the land to the water. Keywords: nitrogen, diffuse pollution, hydrology, model, transport, catchment

scholarly journals Modeled Impacts of Farming Practices and Structural Agricultural Changes on Nitrogen Fluxes in the Netherlands

2001 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 664-672 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wim de Vries ◽  
Hans Kros ◽  
Oene Oenema
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Animal Husbandry ◽  
N Leaching ◽  
Farming Practices ◽  
Total N ◽  
Nutrient Emissions ◽  
Low Emission ◽  
Structural Measures ◽  
Year 2000

In the Netherlands, nutrient emissions from intensive animal husbandry have contributed to decreased species diversity in (semi) natural terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, pollution of groundwater, and possibly global warming due to N2O emissions. This paper presents the results of a modelling study presenting the impacts of both structural measures and improved farming practices on major nitrogen (N) fluxes, including NH3and N2O emission, uptake, leaching, and runoff, in the Netherlands, using input data for the year 2000. Average annual fluxes (Gg N year–1) for the year 2000 were estimated at 132 for NH3emission (160 Gg NH3year–1), 28 for N2O emission, 50 for N inflow to groundwater, and 15 for N inflow to surface water at a total N input of 1046. At this input, nitrate (NO3) concentrations in groundwater often exceeded the target of 50 mg NO3l–1, specifically in well-drained sandy soils. The ammonia (NH3) emissions exceeded emission targets that were set to protect the biodiversity of nonagricultural land. Improved farming practices were calculated to lead to a significant reduction in NH3emissions to the atmosphere and N leaching and runoff to groundwater and surface water, but these improvements were not enough to reach all the targets set for those fluxes. Only strong structural measures clearly improved the situation. The NH3emission target of 30 Gg NH3year–1, suggested for the year 2030, could not be attained, however, unless pig and poultry farming is completely banned in the Netherlands and all cattle stay almost permanently in low emission stables.

scholarly journals Nitrogen Risk Assessment Model for Scotland: I. Nitrogen leaching

2004 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. Dunn ◽  
A. J. A. Vinten ◽  
A. Lilly ◽  
J. DeGroote ◽  
M. A. Sutton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Land Use ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
N Leaching ◽  
Risk Assessment Model ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Residual N

Abstract. The Nitrogen Risk Assessment Model for Scotland (NIRAMS) has been developed for prediction of streamwater N concentrations draining from agricultural land in Scotland. The objective of the model is to predict N concentrations for ungauged catchments, to fill gaps in monitoring data and to provide guidance in relation to policy development. The model uses nationally available data sets of land use, soils, topography and meteorology and has been developed within a Geographic Information System (GIS). The model includes modules to calculate N inputs to the land, residual N remaining at the end of the growing season, weekly time-series of leached N and transport of N at the catchment scale. This paper presents the methodology for calculating N balances for different land uses and for predicting the time sequence of N leaching after the end of the growing season. Maps are presented of calculated residual N and N leaching for the whole of Scotland and the spatial variability in N leaching is discussed. The results demonstrate the high variability in N leaching across Scotland. The simulations suggest that, in the areas with greatest residual N, the losses of N are not directly proportional to the amount of residual N, because of their coincidence with lower rainfall. In the companion paper, the hydrological controls on N transport within NIRAMS are described, and results of the full model testing are presented. Keywords: nitrogen, diffuse pollution, agriculture, leaching, land use, model, national, catchment

scholarly journals Using Water and Agrochemicals in the Soil, Crop and Vadose Environment (WAVE) Model to Interpret Nitrogen Balance and Soil Water Reserve Under Different Tillage Managements

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-39
Author(s):  
Narjes Zare ◽  
Mohammadreza Khaledian ◽  
Jean-Claude Mailhol
Keyword(s):  
Soil Water ◽  
Nitrogen Balance ◽  
Wave Model ◽  
Conventional Tillage ◽  
Weather Data ◽  
N Leaching ◽  
Nitrogen Application ◽  
Management Scenarios ◽  
Crop Season ◽  
Corn Crop

Abstract Applying models to interpret soil, water and plant relationships under different conditions enable us to study different management scenarios and then to determine the optimum option. The aim of this study was using Water and Agrochemicals in the soil, crop and Vadose Environment (WAVE) model to predict water content, nitrogen balance and its components over a corn crop season under both conventional tillage (CT) and direct seeding into mulch (DSM). In this study a corn crop was cultivated at the Irstea experimental station in Montpellier, France under both CT and DSM. Model input data were weather data, nitrogen content in both the soil and mulch at the beginning of the season, the amounts and the dates of irrigation and nitrogen application. The results show an appropriate agreement between measured and model simulations (nRMSE < 10%). Using model outputs, nitrogen balance and its components were compared with measured data in both systems. The amount of N leaching in validation period were 10 and 8 kgha–1 in CT and DSM plots, respectively; therefore, these results showed better performance of DSM in comparison with CT. Simulated nitrogen leaching from CT and DSM can help us to assess groundwater pollution risk caused by these two systems.

scholarly journals The influence of riparian evapotranspiration on stream hydrology and nitrogen retention in a subhumid Mediterranean catchment

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Lupon ◽  
Susana Bernal ◽  
Sílvia Poblador ◽  
Eugènia Martí ◽  
Francesc Sabater
Keyword(s):  
Riparian Zone ◽  
Riparian Forest ◽  
Nitrogen Retention ◽  
Ammonium Uptake ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Small Component ◽  
Vegetative Period ◽  
Nitrogen Concentrations ◽  
Stream Hydrology ◽  
Annual Water

Abstract. Riparian evapotranspiration (ET) can influence stream hydrology at catchment scale by promoting the net loss of water from the stream towards the riparian zone (i.e., stream hydrological retention). However, the consequences of stream hydrological retention on nitrogen dynamics are not well understood. To fill this gap of knowledge, we investigated changes in riparian ET, stream discharge, and nutrient chemistry in two contiguous reaches (headwater and valley) with contrasted riparian forest size in a small forested Mediterranean catchment. Additionally, riparian groundwater level (hgw) was measured at the valley reach. The temporal pattern of riparian ET was similar between reaches, was positively correlated with hgw (ρ = 0.60), and negatively correlated with net riparian groundwater inputs (ρ < −0.55). During the vegetative period, stream hydrological retention occurred only at the valley reach (59 % of the time), and was accompanied by in-stream nitrate release and ammonium uptake. During the dormant period, when the stream gained water from riparian groundwater, results showed small influences of riparian ET on stream hydrology and nitrogen concentrations. Despite being a small component of annual water budgets (4.5 %), our results highlight that riparian ET drives stream and groundwater hydrology in this Mediterranean catchment and, furthermore, question the potential of the riparian zone as a natural filter of nitrogen loads.

scholarly journals Development of a participatory Bayesian network model for integrating ecosystem services into catchment-scale water resources management

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Xue ◽  
Dongwei Gui ◽  
Jiaqiang Lei ◽  
Fanjiang Zeng ◽  
Rong Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Bayesian Network ◽  
Human Activities ◽  
Water Resource Management ◽  
Northwest China ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Management Scenarios ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Oasis Area

Abstract. This paper proposes an ecosystem services–based integrated water resource management (IWRM) framework within which a participatory Bayesian network (BN) model that assists with the integration of IWRM is developed. The framework is divided three steps: (1) identifying water-related services of ecosystems; (2) analysis of the tradeoffs and synergy among users of water; and (3) ecosystem services–based IWRM implementation using the BN model. We present the development, evaluation and application of a participatory BN model with the involvement of four participant groups (stakeholders, water manager, water management experts, and research team) in Qira oasis area, Northwest China. As a typical catchment-scale region, the Qira oasis area is facing severe water competition between the demands of human activities and natural ecosystems. We demonstrate that the BN model developed provides effective integration of ecosystem services into a quantitative IWMR framework via public negotiation and feedback. The network results, sensitivity evaluation, and management scenarios are broadly accepted by the participant groups. The intervention scenarios from the model conclude that any water management measure remains unable to sustain the ecosystem health in water-related ecosystem services. Greater cooperation among the stakeholders is highly necessary for dealing with such water conflicts. In particular, a proportion of the agricultural water saved through improving water-use efficiency should be transferred to natural ecosystems via water trade. The BN model developed is appropriate for areas throughout the world in which there is intense competition for water between human activities and ecosystems – particularly in arid regions.

Nitrogen retention in a river system and the effects of river morphology and lakes

2005 ◽  
Vol 51 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 19-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Venohr ◽  
I. Donohue ◽  
S. Fogelberg ◽  
B. Arheimer ◽  
K. Irvine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Area ◽  
Surface Waters ◽  
Water Surface ◽  
Nitrogen Retention ◽  
River System ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Nitrogen Emissions ◽  
Water Surface Area ◽  
Nutrient Emissions ◽  
The Mean

The mean annual transfer (loss and retention) of nitrogen in a river system was estimated using a conceptual approach based on water surface area and runoff. Two different approaches for the calculation of water surface area were applied to determine riverine nitrogen retention in four European catchments, ranging between 860–14,000 km2 in area, and differing considerably in the proportion and distribution of surface waters, specific runoff and specific nutrient emissions. The transfer rate was estimated sequentially as either the mean value for the total catchment, on a sub-catchment scale, or considering the distribution of water surface area within a sub-catchment. For the latter measure, nitrogen retention in larger lakes was calculated separately. Nitrogen emissions modelled with MONERIS and HBV-N were used to calculate nitrogen river loads and compare those with observed loads. Inclusion of the proportion of water area within a sub-catchment improved modelled results in catchment with large lakes in sub-catchments, but not where there was a homogenous distribution of surface waters among sub-catchments.

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