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Use of the SWB-Sci model for nitrogen management in sludge-amended land

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  • Tesfamariam, Eyob H.
  • Annandale, John G.
  • Steyn, Joachim M.
  • Stirzaker, Richard J.
  • Mbakwe, Ikenna

Abstract

Process-based computer simulation models are often used as reasoning support tools to integrate the complex processes involved in the soil-plant-atmosphere system. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the performance of the SWB-Sci model as a reasoning support tool for sludge management in agricultural lands, and use the validated model to assess the long-term agronomic and environmental implications of water availability and crop intensity on sludge-amended land. The model was calibrated for the test crops, maize (Zea mays Pan6966) and oats (Avena sativa L.), using data collected during the 2004/2005 growing season from irrigated plots at the East Rand Water Care Works, Gauteng, South Africa. Model validation was performed using independent data sets collected during the 2004/2005 to 2007/2008 growing seasons. The model was successfully calibrated for maize and oats as all the statistical parameters were within the prescribed ranges [index of agreement (d) >0.8; relative mean absolute error (MAE%) <20%; coefficient of determination (R2) >0.8]. The results indicate that SWB-Sci simulated aboveground biomass (TDM) and grain yield (GY) of maize and oats with high accuracy (d>0.85, MAE% ≤20%, and R2>0.91) but with a slight overestimation by 0.2–4Mgha−1. The model predicted nitrate leaching and crop N uptake reasonably well (d>0.85, MAE% ≤14%, and R2>0.8), with slight overestimation of TDM and GY N uptake by 11–57 and 4–48kgha−1, respectively. Long-term model simulations indicate that fixed sludge application rate recommendations generated from laboratory incubation studies may in the long-term result in spontaneous excessive nitrate leaching below the active root zone during high rainfall events, if recommendations do not consider N contribution from soil organic matter. Modelling also showed that leaving room for rain during each irrigation event may minimize the risk of nitrate leaching.

Suggested Citation

  • Tesfamariam, Eyob H. & Annandale, John G. & Steyn, Joachim M. & Stirzaker, Richard J. & Mbakwe, Ikenna, 2015. "Use of the SWB-Sci model for nitrogen management in sludge-amended land," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 152(C), pages 262-276.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:agiwat:v:152:y:2015:i:c:p:262-276
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2015.01.023
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Blum, Julius & Melfi, Adolpho José & Montes, Célia Regina & Gomes, Tamara Maria, 2013. "Nitrogen and phosphorus leaching in a tropical Brazilian soil cropped with sugarcane and irrigated with treated sewage effluent," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 117(C), pages 115-122.
    2. Kropff, M. J. & Bouma, J. & Jones, J. W., 2001. "Systems approaches for the design of sustainable agro-ecosystems," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 70(2-3), pages 369-393.
    3. Cameira, M. R. & Fernando, R. M. & Pereira, L. S., 2003. "Monitoring water and NO3-N in irrigated maize fields in the Sorraia Watershed, Portugal," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 60(3), pages 199-216, May.
    4. Arbat, G. & Roselló, A. & Domingo Olivé, F. & Puig-Bargués, J. & González Llinàs, E. & Duran-Ros, M. & Pujol, J. & Ramírez de Cartagena, F., 2013. "Soil water and nitrate distribution under drip irrigated corn receiving pig slurry," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 120(C), pages 11-22.
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    1. Videla-Mensegue, H. & Caviglia, O.P. & Sadras, V.O., 2022. "Functional crop types are more important than diversity for the productivity, profit and risk of crop sequences in the inner Argentinean Pampas," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 196(C).
    2. Eyob Habte Tesfamariam & Zekarias Mihreteab Ogbazghi & John George Annandale & Yemane Gebrehiwot, 2020. "Cost–Benefit Analysis of Municipal Sludge as a Low-Grade Nutrient Source: A Case Study from South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-13, November.
    3. Ogbazghi, Z.M. & Tesfamariam, E.H. & Annandale, J.G., 2016. "Modelling N mineralisation from sludge-amended soils across agro-ecological zones: A case study from South Africa," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 322(C), pages 19-30.

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