Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
10:29
Calibrated Passive Sampling - Multi-plot Field Measurements of NH3 Emissions with a Combination of Dynamic Tube Method and Passive Samplers
Published on: March 21, 2016
Models for predicting nitrate leaching and assessing cover crop mitigation: A systematic review.
V Daimonakos1, R Adams2, F E O'Loughlin3
1School of Civil Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield Dublin 4, D04 V1W8, Ireland; Teagasc, Environment Research Centre, Johnstown Castle, Wexford, Y35 Y521, Ireland; Dooge Centre for Water Resources, University College Dublin, Belfield Dublin 4, D04 V1W8, Ireland.
Journal of Environmental Management
|May 20, 2026
Summary
Selecting the right model to predict nitrate leaching and cover crop mitigation is crucial. This review analyzed ten models, finding no single best option, and proposes a protocol for choosing the most suitable one based on research goals.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Water Resource Management
Background:
- Nitrate (NO 3 -N) leaching from agriculture poses environmental and health risks.
- Cover crops can mitigate nitrate leaching, but field studies are resource-intensive.
- Model simulations offer a scalable and cost-effective alternative for studying nitrate leaching and mitigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and analyze models for predicting nitrate leaching and simulating cover crop mitigation.
- To assess the usability, efficiency, and simulation capabilities of existing models.
- To provide a framework for selecting the most appropriate model based on specific research needs.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review using the PRISMA framework.
- Identification and analysis of ten prominent nitrate leaching models.
- Evaluation of models based on usability, efficiency, mitigation simulation capacity, strengths, and weaknesses.
Main Results:
- SWAT, DNDC, HYDRUS, and APSIM dominate due to flexibility and accessibility, with wide application in Europe, North America, and China.
- No single model excels in all evaluation criteria; performance metrics like NSE, RMSE, and R 2 lack standardized methodologies for comparison.
- Model selection is contingent upon research objectives, resources, and user expertise.
Conclusions:
- A protocol is proposed to guide model selection, prioritizing mechanistic representation of cover crops, scalability, and data/expertise alignment.
- Defining the primary objective (e.g., policy assessment vs. process understanding) is the first step in the selection protocol.
- Informed model selection is essential for effective research on nitrate leaching and cover crop mitigation strategies.
Related Concept Videos
02:35Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
Like all living organisms, plants require organic and inorganic nutrients to survive, reproduce, grow and maintain homeostasis. To identify nutrients that are essential for plant functioning, researchers have leveraged a technique called hydroponics. In hydroponic culture systems, plants are grown—without soil—in water-based solutions containing nutrients. At least 17 nutrients have been identified as essential elements required by plants. Plants acquire these elements from the atmosphere, the...
01:57Adaptations that Reduce Water Loss
Though evaporation from plant leaves drives transpiration, it also results in loss of water. Because water is critical for photosynthetic reactions and other cellular processes, evolutionary pressures on plants in different environments have driven the acquisition of adaptations that reduce water loss.
02:11The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
Plants have the impressive ability to create their own food through photosynthesis. However, plants often require assistance from organisms in the soil to acquire the nutrients they need to function correctly. Both bacteria and fungi have evolved symbiotic relationships with plants that help the species to thrive in a wide variety of environments.
02:16Light Acquisition
In order to produce glucose, plants need to capture sufficient light energy. Many modern plants have evolved leaves specialized for light acquisition. Leaves can be only millimeters in width or tens of meters wide, depending on the environment. Due to competition for sunlight, evolution has driven the evolution of increasingly larger leaves and taller plants, to avoid shading by their neighbors with contaminant elaboration of root architecture and mechanisms to transport water and nutrients.
01:22Inorganic Nitrogen Assimilation
Nitrogen is an essential element in biological systems, forming a crucial component of proteins, nucleic acids, and other cellular constituents. Many bacteria and archaea acquire nitrogen in the form of nitrate (NO₃⁻) or ammonia (NH₃), which are then assimilated into biomolecules through specific enzymatic pathways.Assimilatory Nitrate ReductionWhen nitrate enters the cell, it undergoes a two-step reduction process known as assimilatory nitrate reduction. Initially, the enzyme nitrate reductase...
01:27Microbial Leaching
Microbial leaching, also known as bioleaching, is an environmentally favorable method for extracting metals from low-grade ores using specific microorganisms. This biotechnological approach is particularly valuable for mining operations targeting copper, gold, and uranium, where traditional extraction methods may be economically or environmentally impractical.Copper Leaching and Microbial CatalysisIn copper bioleaching, crushed ore is arranged into heaps and irrigated with a dilute sulfuric...