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Modelling catchment management impact on in-stream phosphorus loads in northern Victoria
- Source :
-
Journal of Environmental Management . Nov2012, Vol. 110, p215-225. 11p. - Publication Year :
- 2012
-
Abstract
- Phosphorus pollution severely impairs the water quality of rivers in Australia and worldwide. Conceptual models have proved useful to assess management impact on phosphorus loads, particularly in data-sparse environments. This paper develops and evaluates the coupling of a point-scale model (HowLeaky2008) to a catchment scale model (CatchMODS) to enhance modelling of farm management impacts on in-stream phosphorus loads. The model was tested in two adjacent catchments in northern Victoria (Avon-Richardson and Avoca), Australia. After calibration of the in-stream attenuation parameter against measurements at gauging stations, the model simulated specific annual phosphorus loads across the catchments well (Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency of 0.52 in the Avon-Richardson and 0.83 for the Avoca catchment). Phosphorus loads at both catchment outlets under current conditions were estimated at 7 t y−1 and were dominated by field exports. Changes to farm management practices, i.e. the use of perennial pastures in grazing systems and zero-tillage in cropping systems were estimated to reduce phosphorus load by 31% in the Avon-Richardson catchment and 19% in the Avoca catchment, relative to current practices (annual pasture and minimum tillage). The model afforded a major improvement in conceptual modelling by explicit simulation of the impacts of soil and climatic conditions on field-scale exports and by placing them in the context of landscape processes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 03014797
- Volume :
- 110
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Environmental Management
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 79656186
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2012.06.013