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Modelling nitrogen leaching: Are we getting the right answer for the right reason?

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  • van der Laan, M.
  • Annandale, J.G.
  • Bristow, K.L.
  • Stirzaker, R.J.
  • Preez, C.C. du
  • Thorburn, P.J.

Abstract

The complexities and challenges in quantifying N leaching have led to development of a range of measurement and modelling techniques, but none are widely applied. Observations that N moves more slowly than water through the soil profile has resulted in different approaches being used to simulate impeded N movement in crop models: (i) by accounting for nitrate NO3− adsorption to the soil, (ii) by considering incomplete mixing between resident and draining soil water fractions or (iii) a combination of both. We compare and discuss strengths and weaknesses of these approaches. Our inability to directly measure model parameters (especially with regards to simulating N dynamics), and the risk of compensating errors during model testing and calibration, often results in low confidence in simulated N leaching. We caution that our current ability to simulate N leaching is in most cases not yet well enough developed for reliable and accurate predictions. We recommend a more strategic approach involving better linking measurement and modelling to improve understanding of the critical soil processes that control N leaching as one way of further improving our understanding and quantification of N leaching.

Suggested Citation

  • van der Laan, M. & Annandale, J.G. & Bristow, K.L. & Stirzaker, R.J. & Preez, C.C. du & Thorburn, P.J., 2014. "Modelling nitrogen leaching: Are we getting the right answer for the right reason?," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 133(C), pages 74-80.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:agiwat:v:133:y:2014:i:c:p:74-80
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2013.10.017
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    Keywords

    APSIM; DSSAT; Nitrate; SWB-Sci;
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