scholarly journals Multi-Step Calibration Approach for SWAT Model Using Soil Moisture and Crop Yields in a Small Agricultural Catchment

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 2238
Author(s):  
Francis Kilundu Musyoka ◽  
Peter Strauss ◽  
Guangju Zhao ◽  
Raghavan Srinivasan ◽  
Andreas Klik
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Groundwater Flow ◽  
Surface Runoff ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Swat Model ◽  
Agricultural Watershed ◽  
Quantitative Prediction ◽  
Sediment Yields ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Calibration Approach

The quantitative prediction of hydrological components through hydrological models could serve as a basis for developing better land and water management policies. This study provides a comprehensive step by step modelling approach for a small agricultural watershed using the SWAT model. The watershed is situated in Petzenkirchen in the western part of Lower Austria and has total area of 66 hectares. At present, 87% of the catchment area is arable land, 5% is used as pasture, 6% is forested and 2% is paved. The calibration approach involves a sequential calibration of the model starting from surface runoff, and groundwater flow, followed by crop yields and then soil moisture, and finally total streamflow and sediment yields. Calibration and validation are carried out using the r-package SWATplusR. The impact of each calibration step on sediment yields and total streamflow is evaluated. The results of this approach are compared with those of the conventional model calibration approach, where all the parameters governing various hydrological processes are calibrated simultaneously. Results showed that the model was capable of successfully predicting surface runoff, groundwater flow, soil profile water content, total streamflow and sediment yields with Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) of greater than 0.75. Crop yields were also well simulated with a percent bias (PBIAS) ranging from −17% to 14%. Surface runoff calibration had the highest impact on streamflow output, improving NSE from 0.39 to 0.77. The step-wise calibration approach performed better for streamflow prediction than the simultaneous calibration approach. The results of this study show that the step-wise calibration approach is more accurate, and provides a better representation of different hydrological components and processes than the simultaneous calibration approach.

Study on nitrogen load reduction efficiency of agricultural conservation management in a small agricultural watershed

2014 ◽  
Vol 69 (8) ◽  
pp. 1689-1696 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoli Liu ◽  
Qiuwen Chen ◽  
Zhaoxia Zeng
Keyword(s):  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Conservation Management ◽  
Swat Model ◽  
Black Soil ◽  
Agricultural Watershed ◽  
Load Reduction ◽  
Agricultural Conservation ◽  
Nitrogen Loads ◽  
Reduction Efficiency ◽  
The Impact

Different crops can generate different non-point source (NPS) loads because of their spatial topography heterogeneity and variable fertilization application rates. The objective of this study was to assess nitrogen NPS load reduction efficiency by spatially adjusting crop plantings as an agricultural conservation management (ACM) measure in a typical small agricultural watershed in the black soil region in northeast China. The assessment was undertaken using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Results showed that lowland crops produce higher nitrogen NPS loads than those in highlands. It was also found that corn gave a comparatively larger NPS load than soybeans due to its larger fertilization demand. The ACM assessed was the conversion of lowland corn crops into soybean crops and highland soybean crops into corn crops. The verified SWAT model was used to evaluate the impact of the ACM action on nitrogen loads. The results revealed that the ACM could reduce NO3-N and total nitrogen loads by 9.5 and 10.7%, respectively, without changing the area of crops. Spatially optimized regulation of crop planting according to fertilizer demand and geological landscapes can effectively decrease NPS nitrogen exports from agricultural watersheds.

scholarly journals Modeling the Impacts of Climate Change on Crop Yield and Irrigation in the Monocacy River Watershed, USA

Climate ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 139
Author(s):  
Manashi Paul ◽  
Sijal Dangol ◽  
Vitaly Kholodovsky ◽  
Amy R. Sapkota ◽  
Masoud Negahban-Azar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Crop Yield ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Swat Model ◽  
Global Climate Models ◽  
Climate Projections ◽  
Climate Change Scenarios ◽  
River Watershed ◽  
Temperature And Precipitation ◽  
The Impact

Crop yield depends on multiple factors, including climate conditions, soil characteristics, and available water. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of projected temperature and precipitation changes on crop yields in the Monocacy River Watershed in the Mid-Atlantic United States based on climate change scenarios. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was applied to simulate watershed hydrology and crop yield. To evaluate the effect of future climate projections, four global climate models (GCMs) and three representative concentration pathways (RCP 4.5, 6, and 8.5) were used in the SWAT model. According to all GCMs and RCPs, a warmer climate with a wetter Autumn and Spring and a drier late Summer season is anticipated by mid and late century in this region. To evaluate future management strategies, water budget and crop yields were assessed for two scenarios: current rainfed and adaptive irrigated conditions. Irrigation would improve corn yields during mid-century across all scenarios. However, prolonged irrigation would have a negative impact due to nutrients runoff on both corn and soybean yields compared to rainfed condition. Decision tree analysis indicated that corn and soybean yields are most influenced by soil moisture, temperature, and precipitation as well as the water management practice used (i.e., rainfed or irrigated). The computed values from the SWAT modeling can be used as guidelines for water resource managers in this watershed to plan for projected water shortages and manage crop yields based on projected climate change conditions.

scholarly journals Future Climate Change Impact on the Nyabugogo Catchment Water Balance in Rwanda

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (24) ◽  
pp. 3636
Author(s):  
Adeline Umugwaneza ◽  
Xi Chen ◽  
Tie Liu ◽  
Zhengyang Li ◽  
Solange Uwamahoro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Water Balance ◽  
Surface Runoff ◽  
Hydrological Cycle ◽  
Swat Model ◽  
Global Climate Models ◽  
Future Climate Change ◽  
Baseline Scenario ◽  
The Impact

Droughts and floods are common in tropical regions, including Rwanda, and are likely to be aggravated by climate change. Consequently, assessing the effects of climate change on hydrological systems has become critical. The goal of this study is to analyze the impact of climate change on the water balance in the Nyabugogo catchment by downscaling 10 global climate models (GCMs) from CMIP6 using the inverse distance weighting (IDW) method. To apply climate change signals under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) (low and high emission) scenarios, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was used. For the baseline scenario, the period 1950–2014 was employed, whereas the periods 2020–2050 and 2050–2100 were used for future scenario analysis. The streamflow was projected to decrease by 7.2 and 3.49% under SSP126 in the 2020–2050 and 2050–2100 periods, respectively; under SSP585, it showed a 3.26% increase in 2020–2050 and a 4.53% decrease in 2050–2100. The average annual surface runoff was projected to decrease by 11.66 (4.40)% under SSP126 in the 2020–2050 (2050–2100) period, while an increase of 3.25% in 2020–2050 and a decline of 5.42% in 2050–2100 were expected under SSP585. Climate change is expected to have an impact on the components of the hydrological cycle (such as streamflow and surface runoff). This situation may, therefore, lead to an increase in water stress, calling for the integrated management of available water resources in order to match the increasing water demand in the study area. This study’s findings could be useful for the establishment of adaptation plans to climate change, managing water resources, and water engineering.

scholarly journals Towards a multi-basin SWAT model for the migration of nutrients and pesticides to Puck Bay (Southern Baltic Sea)

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e10938
Author(s):  
Paweł Wielgat ◽  
Dominika Kalinowska ◽  
Adam Szymkiewicz ◽  
Piotr Zima ◽  
Beata Jaworska-Szulc ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Baltic Sea ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Swat Model ◽  
Natura 2000 ◽  
Weather Data ◽  
Nutrient Runoff ◽  
Baltic Countries ◽  
Minimal Depth ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Puck Bay

Background This paper analyzes the impact of changes in fertilization on crop yields and the runoff of nutrients from a small agricultural catchment (176 km2) to a shallow bay, using the SWAT model. Puck Bay is part of the Gulf of Gdansk and belongs to the Baltic Sea. The whole area of Puck Bay (364 km2) is protected (Natura 2000) yet despite this it suffers from eutrophication problems due to the relatively minimal depth and difficult water exchange. Methods The paper presents a comparison of the calculated yields and the runoff of nutrients and pesticides in the SWAT model, for a small agricultural coastal catchment. Calculations were made for 13 crop scenarios with weather data from 2011 to 2019. For each crop, an agriculture calendar was made. Two variants of fertilization were considered (autofertilization mode and according to the calendar). The nutrient runoff was calculated depending on the adopted scenario. In addition, the fate of selected pesticides was simulated. Results Depending on the crop, the annual load of NO3into the stream ranged from 0.74 to 3.65 kg ha−1. The annual load of organic phosphorous into the stream was between 0.686 and 3.64 kg ha−1. This is lower than in the majority of EU or Baltic countries. The surface runoff of dissolved Glyphosate was equal to 286 mg ha−1. The annual loads of nutrients from the catchment area are equivalent in both fertilization modes. Regardless of the selected fertilization mode, in addition to the dosage, the form of nutrients is important for the model.

scholarly journals Hydrological modeling of an experimental basin in the semiarid region of the Brazilian State of Pernambuco

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Adriana Guedes Magalhães ◽  
Abelardo Antônio de Assunção Montenegro ◽  
Carolyne Wanessa Lins de Andrade ◽  
Suzana Maria Gico Lima Montenegro ◽  
Robertson Valério de Paiva Fontes Júnior
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Surface Runoff ◽  
Hydrological Modeling ◽  
Swat Model ◽  
Semiarid Region ◽  
Vegetative Cover ◽  
Hydrological Simulation ◽  
Calibration And Validation ◽  
Soil Moisture Data ◽  
Experimental Basin

Hydrological simulation models have proven to be an important tool for managing and planning water resources, enabling the assessment of the impacts of rainfall on surface runoff and soil moisture. This work therefore aimed to apply the SWAT model for the analysis of hydrological processes in the Experimental Basin of the Jatobá Stream, in the semiarid region of the State of Pernambuco, Brazil, considering the calibration and validation of the model from streamflow and soil moisture data. Moreover, the study investigated hydrological effectiveness in a recovery scenario in areas of higher topographic elevation of the arborescent Caatinga and the behavior of the hydrological components under an agricultural expansion scenario. Events which occured between 2009 and 2010 were used to calibrate and validate streamflow and soil moisture data. The calibration and validation of streamflow exhibited efficiency coefficients (NSE) of 0.58 and 0.42, respectively, and 0.53 and 0.46 for soil moisture. The adjustment of the parameters was considered adequate for representing streamflow recession periods. It was also verified that the alternative process of calibration and validation with soil moisture reduced uncertainty. Regeneration of the vegetative cover over 21% of the hilltop areas of arborescent Caatinga led to a significant increase in percolation (42%) and a decrease of 34% in soil moisture (due to water consumption by plants), thus contributing to the recovery of headwaters, increasing resilience to water scarcity. On the other hand, the 38% expansion of agriculture caused an increase of 11% in surface runoff and, consequently, an increase of 10% in soil moisture.

scholarly journals Land use and water quality in watersheds in the State of São Paulo, based on GIS and SWAT data

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Denise Piccirillo Barbosa da Veiga ◽  
Manuel Enrique Gamero Guandique ◽  
Adelaide Cassia Nardocci
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Surface Runoff ◽  
Integrated Management ◽  
Swat Model ◽  
Land Use Classification ◽  
Hydrological Simulation ◽  
Hydrological Balance ◽  
Gis Tools ◽  
The Impact

Land use influences the quality and availability of water resources, but Brazil has made little progress in integrated watershed management. This study therefore applied geoprocessing for land-use classification and evaluated the impact on the hydrological balance in order to contribute to the integrated management of water resources. Using GIS tools, two drainage areas from the water catchment points of two municipalities, Santa Cruz das Palmeiras and Piedade, were delimited; land-use mapping was carried out using the supervised classification method of satellite images, and the SWAT model was applied for hydrological simulation. The methods used were appropriate. The surface runoff was related to the absence of vegetation and the predominance of exposed soil. The relationship between land use/land cover and the hydrological balance was evidenced, especially the impact of agricultural activities and the lack of natural vegetation in the surface runoff.

scholarly journals Multi-Disciplinary Assessment of Napier Grass Plantation on Local Energetic, Environmental and Socioeconomic Industries: A Watershed-Scale Study in Southern Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (24) ◽  
pp. 13520
Author(s):  
Kotchakarn Nantasaksiri ◽  
Patcharawat Charoen-amornkitt ◽  
Takashi Machimura ◽  
Kiichiro Hayashi
Keyword(s):  
Surface Runoff ◽  
Energy Supply ◽  
Swat Model ◽  
Napier Grass ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilizers ◽  
Lake Basin ◽  
Simulated Precipitation ◽  
Southern Thailand ◽  
Runoff Sediment ◽  
The Impact

Napier grass is an energy crop that is promising for future power generation. Since Napier grass has never been planted extensively, it is important to understand the impacts of Napier grass plantations on local energetic, environmental, and socioeconomic features. In this study, the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model was employed to investigate the impacts of Napier grass plantation on runoff, sediment, and nitrate loads in Songkhla Lake Basin (SLB), southern Thailand. Historical data, collected between 2009 and 2018 from the U-tapao gaging station located in SLB were used to calibrate and validate the model in terms of precipitation, streamflow, and sediment. The simulated precipitation, streamflow, and sediment showed agreement with observed data, with the coefficients of determination being 0.791, 0.900, and 0.997, respectively. Subsequently, the SWAT model was applied to evaluate the impact of land use change from the baseline case to Napier grass plantation cases in abandoned areas with four different nitrogen fertilizer application levels. The results revealed that planting Napier grass decreased the average surface runoff and sediment in the watershed. A multidisciplinary assessment supporting future decision making was conducted using the results obtained from the SWAT model; these showed that Napier grass will provide enhanced benefits to hydrology and water quality when nitrogen fertilizers of 0 and 125 kgN ha−1 were applied. On the other hand, the benefits to the energy supply, farmer’s income, and CO2 reduction were highest when a nitrogen fertilization of 500 kgN ha−1 was applied. Nonetheless, planting Napier grass should be supported since it increases the energy supply and creates jobs while also reducing surface runoff, sediment yield, nitrate load, and CO2 emission.

Infiltrometer studies in rangeland plant communities of the Northern Territory.

1978 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 142 ◽  
Author(s):  
GF Gifford
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Flood Plain ◽  
Northern Territory ◽  
Infiltration Process ◽  
Antecedent Soil Moisture ◽  
Soil Movement ◽  
Sediment Yields ◽  
Moisture Conditions ◽  
The Impact

Infiltrometer studies were conducted within several plant communities near Alice Springs, Northern Territory. Plant commu- nities studied included mulga-perennial, mulga-shortgrass, savanna woodland, gilgai, flood-plain grassland, and scalded areas (no vegetation). Attempts were made to quantify the impact of surface crusting, antecedent soil moisture conditions, and time of year on infiltration rates and potential sediment yields. Results indicate that the infiltration process within certain plant communities is often complex, and hydrologic differences which occur both within and among the plant communities should be acknowledged. Sediment yields from a floodplain-grassland unit and a scald situation were about 2 and 5 times greater, respectively, than those from various mulga communities, woodland, or gilgai circumstances. With one exception, antecedent soil moisture had little influence on sediment yields. Removal of surface soil crusts significantly increased sediment yields, regardless of antecedent soil moisture conditions. The relationship between soil movement and loss and ecosystem stability needs to be established for most rangeland environments, but little has been done to satisfy this need.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Flux-PIHM, a physically-based land surface hydrologic model in an agricultural watershed

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuting Smeglin ◽  
Yuning Shi ◽  
Jason Kaye ◽  
Caitlin Hodges ◽  
Qicheng Tang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Land Surface ◽  
Deciduous Forest ◽  
Soil Column ◽  
Hydrologic Model ◽  
Agricultural Watershed ◽  
Sensible Heat ◽  
Spatially Distributed ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Shale Hills

An agricultural watershed, Cole Farm, was established as the newest of the three subcatchments in the Susquehanna Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory (SSHCZO) in 2017. The catchment contains mostly pasture and crops, with a small portion of deciduous forest. The observations in Cole Farm afford an opportunity to test the spatially distributed land surface hydrologic model, Flux-PIHM, in farmland for the first time. In this study, we calibrated the model to only discharge and groundwater level observations at Cole Farm, but it’s able to capture the variations and magnitudes of soil moisture, latent heat (LE) and sensible heat (H) fluxes. Modeled soil moisture on the ridge top matched the observations well, but modeled soil moisture in the mid-slope differed from observations likely due to the existence of fragipan in the soil column. Flux-PIHM reproduced the seasonality and diurnal variations of watershed-average evapotranspiration (ET), sensible heat flux (H), though modeled ET in summer is about 25% greater than tower ET. To study the impact of land cover on hydrology, we imposed two different LAI forcings to the model: spatially distributed versus uniform LAI. Spatially distributed LAI produced higher ET and lower soil moisture in the forested part of the watershed due to higher LAI of deciduous forest in comparison to crops and pasture. But the impact of different LAI forcings on discharge was small. We further compared the water budget simulated by Flux-PIHM in the agricultural watershed (Cole Farm) to a forested watershed (Shale Hills). Flux-PIHM simulated less discharge and higher transpiration and bare soil evaporation in the Cole Farm watershed relative to Shale Hills watershed. Our work shows that with a few key observations, Flux-PIHM can be calibrated to simulate agricultural watershed hydrology, but spatially distributed LAI and soils data are needed to capture the spatial variations in soil moisture and ET.

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