Journal article
Estimating farm to catchment nutrient fluxes using dynamic simulation modelling – Can agri-environmental BMPs really do the job?
Journal of Environmental Management, Vol.130, pp.313-323
2013
Abstract
A dynamic model of Phosphorus (P) movement through the Peel-Harvey catchment in South Western Australia was developed using system dynamics modelling software. The model was developed to illustrate watershed P flux and to predict future P loss rates under a range of management scenarios. Model input parameters were sourced from extensive surveys of local agricultural practices and regional soil testing data. Model P-routing routines were developed from the known interactions between the various watershed P compartments and fluxes between the various P stores. Phosphorus-retention characteristics of a variety of management practices were determined from local field trials where available and published values where not. The model simulated a 200 year time frame to reflect 100 years to the present day since initial land development, and forecast 100 years into the future. Although the catchment has an annual P-loss target of 70 tonnes per annum (tpa), the measured (and modelled) present-day loss is double this amount (140tpa) and this is projected to rise to 1300tpa if current land management practices continue. Broad implementation of neither "biological" BMPs such as perennial pastures and managed riparian zones, or of "chemical" BMPs such as reduced water solubility fertilisers and P-retentive soil amendments, produces reductions in P-loss from present-day levels. Even if broad-scale implementation of the large suite of BMPs tested in this research occurs, catchment P-losses are likely to increase from the present level of 140tpa to approximately 200tpa over the next 100 years. This has significant implications for both future land use and subsequent water quality in the catchment as well as questioning the wisdom and perceptions of efficacy of past and future BMP implementation strategies.
Details
- Title
- Estimating farm to catchment nutrient fluxes using dynamic simulation modelling – Can agri-environmental BMPs really do the job?
- Authors/Creators
- M.R. Rivers (Author/Creator) - The University of Western AustraliaD.M. Weaver (Author/Creator) - Centre for EcohydrologyK.R.J. Smettem (Author/Creator)P.M. Davies (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
- Publication Details
- Journal of Environmental Management, Vol.130, pp.313-323
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Identifiers
- 991005543763807891
- Copyright
- © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Murdoch University
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites
Metrics
26 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Citation topics
- 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology
- 3.45 Soil Science
- 3.45.888 Nutrient Dynamics
- Web Of Science research areas
- Environmental Sciences
- ESI research areas
- Environment/Ecology