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Simulating agroecosystem soil inorganic nitrogen dynamics under long-term management with an improved SWAT-C model
Kang Liang1, Xuesong Zhang2, Xin-Zhong Liang3
1Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740, USA.
The Science of the Total Environment
|March 19, 2023
Summary
The improved SWAT-Carbon model accurately simulates soil inorganic nitrogen (SIN) dynamics in agricultural systems. This advancement aids in optimizing crop production and minimizing environmental impacts from fertilizer use.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
Background:
- The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) is widely used for water quality modeling.
- SWAT's capacity to simulate soil inorganic nitrogen (SIN) dynamics in agricultural settings requires direct verification.
- Understanding SIN dynamics is crucial for managing nutrient cycling and environmental impacts in agroecosystems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance and evaluate the SWAT-Carbon (SWAT-C) model for simulating long-term SIN dynamics.
- To assess the performance of improved nitrification and denitrification algorithms within SWAT-C.
- To provide a more accurate tool for predicting plant-available SIN in diverse cropping systems.
Main Methods:
- Modified the default SWAT model by incorporating one new nitrification and two new denitrification algorithms.
- Evaluated six combinations of nitrification and denitrification algorithms for simulating SIN dynamics.
- Conducted long-term simulations (1984-2020) for 40 cropping system treatments in the U.S. Midwest.
- Performed sensitivity analysis on key model parameters.
Main Results:
- The best performing combination involved the original SWAT nitrification method and a newly added denitrification method.
- Achieved simulation performance metrics (R=0.63, NSE=0.29, PBIAS=-4.7%, RMSE=16.0 kg N ha⁻¹) indicating significant improvement.
- The revised SWAT-C model demonstrated performance comparable to or exceeding other agroecosystem models for SIN assessment.
- Parameters related to soil organic matter decomposition, nitrification, and denitrification were identified as most sensitive.
Conclusions:
- The enhanced SWAT-C model provides a reliable tool for simulating SIN dynamics in agricultural landscapes.
- Improved SIN simulation capabilities can inform better agroecosystem management for enhanced crop productivity and reduced environmental risks.
- The model's sensitivity analysis highlights critical processes for future research and management strategies.
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