Evapotranspiration predictions: a comparison among GLEAMS,Opus, PRZM-2, and RZWQM models in a humid and thermic climate

Environmental fate models are increasingly used to evaluate potential impacts of agrochemicals on water quality to aid in decision making. However, errors in predicting processes like evapotranspiration (ET), which is rarely measured during model validation studies, can significantly affect predictions of chemical fate and transport. This study compared approaches and predictions for ET by GLEAMS, Opus, PRZM-2, and RZWQM and determined effects of the predicted ET on simulations of other hydrology components. The ET was investigated for 2 years of various fallow–corn growing seasons under sprinkler irrigation. The comparison included annual cumulative daily potential ET (ET_p), actual ET, and partitioning of total ET between soil evaporation (E_s) and crop transpiration (E_t). When measured pan evaporation was used for calculating ET_p (the pan evaporation method), Opus, PRZM-2, and RZWQM predicted 74, 65, and 59%, respectively, of the 10-year average ET reported for a nearby site. When the energy-balance equations were used for calculating ET_p (the combination methods), GLEAMS, Opus, PRZM-2, and RZWQM predicted 84, 105, 60, and 72% of the reported ET, respectively. The pan evaporation method predicted a similar amount of ET to the combination methods for bare soil, but predicted less ET when both E_s and E_t occurred. RZWQM reasonably predicted partitioning of ET to E_s, while GLEAMS and Opus over-predicted this partitioning. A close correlation between soil water storage in the root zone and ET suggests that accurate soil water content predictions were fundamental to ET predictions. ©     

Quantifying rainfall-runoff relationships on the Dera Calcic Fluvic Regosol ecotope in Ethiopia

Droughts, resulting in low crop yields, are common in the semi-arid areas of Ethiopia and adversely influence the well-being of many people. The objective of this study was to assess the benefit that in-field rainwater harvesting (IRWH) would have, compared to conventional tillage, on maize yields on a semi-arid ecotope at Dera situated on the eastern part of the Rift Valley. Rainfall-runoff measurements were made during 2003 and 2004 on 2 m × 2 m plots provided with a runoff measuring system and replicated three times for each treatment. There were two treatments: conventional tillage (CT) and no-till (NT), the latter with a flat surface that promotes runoff and therefore IRWH. Rainfall intensity was measured at 1 min intervals with an automatic tipping bucket instrument, and runoff was measured after each rain event. Measured runoff as a function of rainfall intensity and duration from half the rainfall-runoff events was used to determine the critical parameters of a appropriate runoff model. The calibrated model was found to be capable of predicting runoff in a satisfactory way.Rainfall-runoff measurements were made during the rain seasons in 2003 and 2004 during which there were 25 rain events with >9 mm of rain. There was no statistical difference between the runoff on the two treatments. The measured runoff (R) for the two rain seasons, expressed as a fraction of the rainfall during the measuring period (P), i.e. R/P, gave values of 0.46 and 0.39 for the NT and CT treatments, respectively.Results from 7 years of field experiments with IRWH at Glen in South Africa were used to estimate the yield benefit of NT for Dera compared to CT. The results were 696 and 494 kg ha⁻¹ for 2003 and 2004, respectively. Based on the estimated average long-term maize yield of 2000 kg ha⁻¹ at Dera, this was an estimated yield increase ranging from 25% to 35%.     

Evaluation on the irrigation and fertilization management practices under the application of treated sewage water in Beijing, China

Irrigation and fertilization management practices play important roles in crop production. In this paper, the Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM) was used to evaluate the irrigation and fertilization management practices for a winter wheat–summer corn double cropping system in Beijing, China under the irrigation with treated sewage water (TSW). A carefully designed experiment was carried out at an experimental station in Beijing area from 2001 to 2003 with four irrigation treatments. The hydrologic, nitrogen and crop growth components of RZWQM were calibrated by using the dataset of one treatment. The datasets of other three treatments were used to validate the model performance. Most predicted soil water contents were within ±1 standard deviation (S.D.) of the measured data. The relative errors (RE) of grain yield predictions were within the range of −26.8% to 18.5%, whereas the REs of biomass predictions were between −38% and 14%. The grain nitrogen (N) uptake and biomass N uptake were predicted with the RE values ranging from −13.9% to 14.7%, and from −11.1% to 29.8%, respectively. These results showed that the model was able to simulate the double cropping system variables under different irrigation and fertilization conditions with reasonable accuracy. Application of RZWQM in the growing season of 2001–2002 indicated that the best irrigation management practice was no irrigation for summer corn, three 83 mm irrigations each for pre-sowing, jointing and heading stages of winter wheat, respectively. And the best nitrogen application management practice was 120 kg N ha⁻¹ for summer corn and 110 kg N ha⁻¹ for winter wheat, respectively, under the irrigation with TSW. We also obtained the alternative irrigation management practices for the hydrologic years of 75%, 50% and 25%, respectively, in Beijing area under the conditions of irrigation with TSW and the optimal nitrogen application.     

Soluble potassium transport in agricultural runoff water

Potassium transport in runoff from three agricultural soils was investigated in laboratory and field experiments using a kinetic equation describing soil K desorption. In the laboratory, this equation was used to study the effect of rainfall intensity and soil slope, cover, and residue incorporation on the effective depth of interaction between surface soil and runoff (edi), an important parameter in the kinetic equation. Using simulated rainfall, edi increased linearly (from 1.6 to 22.0 mm) with an increase in rainfall intensity (50 to 160 mm h⁻¹) and soil slope (2 to 20%). edi was reduced an average 82% following incorporation of 5.0 t ha⁻¹ of wheat straw (Triticum aestivum L. sp.) and 44% by a 0.5-mm² mesh screen, simulating crop cover, compared to the control (4.5 mm). This reduction was attributed to a decreased turbulent mixing of water at the soil surface brought about by an increased physical protection of soil. For all soils and treatments, edi was logarithmically related to soil loss (r² = 0.80), allowing estimation of edi under variable rainfall intensity, soil slope, type, and cover conditions from measured or estimated soil loss. The values of edi, thus estimated were used in the kinetic equation to predict solution K transport in runoff from eight agricultural watersheds in Oklahoma, U.S.A. Measured and predicted mean annual flow-weighted concentrations of solution K were not significantly different and were strongly correlated (r² = 0.92). These results improve our capability to predict K transport in runoff under field conditions. These methods could also be applied to other agricultural chemicals transported in runoff and results used to improve management of soil and water.     

Antecedent water content effects on runoff and sediment yields from two Coastal Plain Ultisols

The highly weathered, low-carbon, intensively cropped, drought-prone Coastal Plain soils of Georgia are susceptible to runoff and soil loss, especially at certain times of the year when soil water contents are elevated. We quantified the effects of antecedent water content (AWC) on runoff (R) and sediment (E) losses from two loamy sands managed under conventional- (CT), strip- (ST), and/or no-till (NT) systems. Two AWC treatments were evaluated: field moist (FM) and pre-wet (PW), created with and without post pesticide application irrigations (∼12 mm of water added with the rainfall simulated over 30 min) for incorporation. Treatments (5) evaluated were: CT + FM, CT + PW, ST + FM, ST + PW, and NT + PW. Field plots, each 2-m × -3 m, were established on each treatment. Each 6-m² field plot received simulated rainfall at a variable rainfall intensity (I_v) pattern for 70 min (site 1) or a constant rainfall intensity (I_c) pattern for 60 min (site 2; I_c = 50.8 mm h⁻¹). Adding ∼12 mm of water as herbicide incorporation increased AWCs of the 0-2 (3-9-fold) and 2-15 (23-117%) cm soil depths of PW plots compared to existing field moist soil conditions. Increase in AWC increased R (as much as 60%) and maximum R rates (as much as 62%), and decreased E (at least 59%) and maximum E rates (as much as 2.1-fold) for corresponding tillage treatments. Compared to CT plots, ST and NT plots decreased R (at least 2.6-fold) and maximum R rates (as much as 3-fold), and decreased E (at least 2.7-fold) and maximum E rates (at least 3.2-fold). Runoff curves for pre-wetted CT and ST plots were always higher than corresponding FM curves, whereas E curves for field moist CT and ST plots were always higher than corresponding PW curves. Changes in AWC and tillage affected detachment and transport processes controlling runoff and sediment yields. A more accurate measure of rainfall partitioning and detachment and transport processes affecting R and E losses was obtained when commonly occurring field conditions (increased AWC with irrigation; I_v pattern derived from natural rainfall; commonly used tillage systems) were created and evaluated.     

Improved water capture and erosion reduction through furrow diking

Crop production in Georgia and the Southeastern U.S. can be limited by water; thus, supplemental irrigation is often needed to sustain profitable crop production. Increased water capture would efficiently improve water use and reduce irrigation amounts and other input costs, thus improving producer's profit margin. We quantified water capturing and erosional characteristics of furrow diking by comparing runoff (R) and soil loss (E) from furrow diked (DT) and non-furrow diked tilled (CT) systems. A field study (Faceville loamy sand, Typic Kandiudult) was established (2006 and 2007) near Dawson, GA with DT and CT systems managed to irrigated cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Treatments included: DT vs. CT; DT with and without shank (+/− S); and rainfall simulation performed (0, 60 days after tillage, DAT). Simulated rainfall (50 mm h⁻¹ for 1 h) was applied to all 2 m × 3 m plots (n = 3). All runoff and E were measured from each flat, level sloping 6-m² plot (slope = 1%). Compared to CT, DT decreased R and E by 14-28% and 2.0-2.8 times, respectively. Compared to DT − S, DT + S decreased R and E by 17-56% and 26% to 2.1 times, respectively. Compared to sealed/crusted soil conditions at 60 DAT, simulating rainfall on a freshly tilled seedbed condition (DAT = 0) decreased R by 69% to 3.4 times and increased E by 27%. DT0 + S + RF0 plots (best-case scenario) had 2.8 times less R, and 2.6 times less E than CT − S + RF60 plots (worst-case). Based on $1.17 ha-mm⁻¹ to pump irrigation water and $18.50 ha⁻¹ for DT, a producer in the Coastal Plain region of Georgia would recover cost of DT by saving the first 16 ha-mm of water. The DT + S system is a cost-effective management practice for producers in Georgia and the Southeastern U.S. that positively impacts natural resource conservation, producer profit margins, and environmental quality.     

Irrigation strategies to improve the water use efficiency of wheat-maize double cropping systems in North China Plain

Water is the most important limiting factor of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) double cropping systems in the North China Plain (NCP). A two-year experiment with four irrigation levels based on crop growth stages was used to calibrate and validate RZWQM2, a hybrid model that combines the Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM) and DSSAT4.0. The calibrated model was then used to investigate various irrigation strategies for high yield and water use efficiency (WUE) using weather data from 1961 to 1999. The model simulated soil moisture, crop yield, above-ground biomass and WUE in responses to irrigation schedules well, with root mean square errors (RMSEs) of 0.029 cm³ cm⁻³, 0.59 Mg ha⁻¹, 2.05 Mg ha⁻¹, and 0.19 kg m⁻³, respectively, for wheat; and 0.027 cm³ cm⁻³, 0.71 Mg ha⁻¹, 1.51 Mg ha⁻¹ and 0.35 kg m⁻³, respectively, for maize. WUE increased with the amount of irrigation applied during the dry growing season of 2001-2002, but was less sensitive to irrigation during the wet season of 2002-2003. Long-term simulation using weather data from 1961 to 1999 showed that initial soil water at planting was adequate (at 82% of crop available water) for wheat establishment due to the high rainfall during the previous maize season. Preseason irrigation for wheat commonly practiced by local farmers should be postponed to the most sensitive growth stage (stem extension) for higher yield and WUE in the area. Preseason irrigation for maize is needed in 40% of the years. With limited irrigation available (100, 150, 200, or 250 mm per year), 80% of the water allocated to the critical wheat growth stages and 20% applied at maize planting achieved the highest WUE and the least water drainage overall for the two crops.     

Runoff estimation in southern Brazil based on Smith's modified model and the Curve Number method

The objective of this work was to measure and model the runoff for different soils classes at different rainfall intensities (30, 60 and 120 mm h⁻¹) in Southern Brazil. A portable rainfall simulator with multiple nozzles was used to simulate these rainfall intensities. For each soil, the initial time and runoff rate, rainfall characteristics (total, duration and intensities), surface slope, crop residue amount and cover percentage, soil densities (bulk and particle), soil porosity (bulk, macro and micro), textural fractions (clay, silt and sand), and the initial and saturated soil water content were measured. The runoff measured was compared to Smith's modified and Curve Number (USDA-SCS) models. The cumulative runoff losses were 67, 45 and 27% of the total rainfall, for a Rhodic Paleudalf, Typic Quartzipsamment and Rhodic Hapludox, respectively. An inverse relationship was observed between initial runoff and the runoff rate, independently of the soil surface and rainfall conditions. Increasing rainfall intensity decreased the time to runoff and increased runoff rate. The Smith's modified model overestimated the cumulative runoff by about 4%. The Smith's modified model presented a better estimate for both higher and lower rainfall intensities (120 and 30 mm h⁻¹). The SCS Curve Number model overestimated the cumulative runoff by about 34%. This large overestimate is probably due to that the model did not take into account the soil tillage system used in the field by farmers, particularly for irrigated conditions. The combination of high porosity, low bulk density and presence of crop residue on soil surface decreased runoff losses, independently of the soil texture class. Smith's modified model better estimated the surface runoff for soil with a high soil water content, and it was considered satisfactory for Southern Brazil runoff estimations. The SCS Curve Number model overestimated the cumulative runoff and its use needs adjustments particularly for no-tillage management system.     

Furrow diking in conservation tillage

Crop production in the Southeastern U.S. can be limited by water; thus, supplemental irrigation is needed to sustain profitable crop production. Increased water capture would efficiently improve water use and reduce supplemental irrigation amounts/costs, thus improving producer's profit margin. We quantified infiltration (INF), runoff (R), and sediment (E) losses from furrow diked (+DT) and non-furrow diked (−DT) tilled conventional (CT) and strip tillage (ST) systems. In 2008, a field study (Tifton loamy sand, Typic Kandiudult) was established with DT, ST, and CT systems. In 2009, a field study (Faceville loamy sand, Typic Kandiudult) was established with DT and ST systems. Treatments (6) included: CT − DT, CT + DT, ST₁ (1-year old) − DT, ST₁ + DT, ST₁₀ (10-year old) − DT, and ST₁₀ + DT. Simulated rainfall (50 mm h⁻¹ for 1 h) was applied to each 2-m × 3-m plots (n = 3). Runoff and E were measured from each 6-m² plot. ST₁ + DT plots had 80-88% less R than ST₁ − DT plots. Any disturbance associated with DT in ST₁ systems did not negatively impact E values. For both soils, CT − DT plots represented the worst-case scenario in terms of measured R and E; ST + DT plots represented the best-case scenario. Trends for R, E, and estimated plant available water (PAW) values decreased in order of CT − DT, CT + DT, ST₁ − DT, ST₁ + DT, ST₁₀ − DT, and ST₁₀ + DT treatments. From a hydrology standpoint, ST₁ − DT plots behaved more similarly to CT plots than to other ST plots; from a sediment standpoint, ST₁ − DT plots behaved more similarly to other ST plots than to CT plots. DT had no effect on ST₁₀ plots. CT − DT and ST₁₀ + DT plots resulted in 5.9 (worst-case) and 8.1 (best-case) days of water for crop use, a difference of 2.2 days of water for crop use or 37%. Compared to the CT − DT treatment, an agricultural field managed to CT + DT, ST₁ − DT, ST₁ + DT, ST₁₀ − DT, and ST₁₀ + DT would save a producer farming the CT − DT field $5.30, $9.42, $13.55, $14.14, and $14.14 ha⁻¹, respectively, to pump the amount of water lost to R and not saved as INF back onto the field. The most water/cost savings occurred for CT and ST₁ plots as a result of DT. Savings for CT + DT, ST₁ − DT, and ST₁ + DT treatments represent 27%, 47%, and 68% of the cost of DT ($20 ha⁻¹) and 37%, 67%, and 96% of the savings a producer would have if managing the field to ST for 10 years without DT (ST₁₀ − DT) in a single 50-mm rainfall event. For row-crop producers in the Southeastern U.S. with runoff producing rainfall events during the crop growing season, DT is a management practice that is cost-effective from a natural resource and financial standpoint for those producers that continue to use CT systems and especially those that have recently adopted ST systems into their farming operations.     

Modelling soil detachment rates in rainfed agrosystems in the south-central Pyrenees

Distributed erosion models are potential tools for identifying soil sediment sources and guiding efficient Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) planning. However, the uncertainty of model predictions has yet to be resolved. Splash erosion is one of the most important mechanisms in soil loss. In this study, monthly splash detachment rates were predicted using the Morgan, Morgan and Finney (MMF) empirical erosion model and the more complex Revised Morgan, Morgan and Finney (RMMF) erosion model. These two models were used to assess active and abandoned fields in the Spanish Pyrenees. Land uses were barley fields, pasture, recently and old abandoned fields. Input parameters assessed were rainfall characteristics, soil properties, land forms, and land cover. The splash detachment rates predicted by the MMF and the RMMF models were higher for barley fields than for pasture and abandoned fields. However, the more complex RMMF model predicted lower splash detachment rates, especially in pastures. In contrast, runoff detachment was highest in old abandoned fields although rates were much lower than those of splash detachment. Moreover, soil detachment by runoff was low or equal to zero from November to May for the different land uses since the soil remained unsaturated during this period as a consequence of low rainfall intensities and soil surface roughness. Monthly values for total detachment were highest in barley fields, reaching a maximum of 17.2 and 16.9 Mg ha⁻¹ in September and October. The mean annual detachment rates for barley, pastures and recently and old abandoned fields were 81.1, 0.8, 61.8 and 22.3 Mg ha⁻¹, respectively. The splash and runoff detachment rates of the RMMF model appeared to be sensitive to land cover factors, rainfall intensity and soil micro-topography, thus it is a better model for assessing soil detachment for various land uses. The comparison of erosion rates between the ¹³⁷Cs and the MMF and RMMF models shows that the models predict lower erosion rates due to the low estimated rates of the runoff transport capacity. However, the estimated and measured rates are in close agreement and are under the limit of the tolerable soil loss for soils under Mediterranean conditions.     

Impact of modified tillage on runoff and nutrient loads from potato fields in Prince Edward Island

Potato production accounts for ∼24% of the cultivated land-use in Prince Edward Island, Canada. The island often experiences prolonged dry periods interspersed with excessive rainfall events throughout the growing season. Thus, water retention is important for maximum crop production while sediment and nutrient loading to surface water systems are also concerns. Therefore, agronomic practices that reduce the environmental impact of potato production are being sought. Basin tillage (BT) is a potential option in which small dams are created in the furrows (row middles), resulting in basins that enhance infiltration, reduce runoff, minimize contaminant loads, and increase yields.This on-farm study compared BT against two types of ‘conventional’ hilling treatments with replicated plots on four field sites over two growing seasons. Field sites had sandy loam soils with topography slopes ranging from 3% to 5%. Within each field, nine 25 m long and 3.66 m wide (4 rows) plots were established, including three plots of each hilling treatment (CT = conventional tillage; RS = row shaper tillage; BT = basin tillage). Runoff volume, nutrient (phosphate, ammonium, nitrate) and suspended solids loads were measured using collection barrels on the down slope end of each furrow.Basin tillage had 78% and 75% less runoff than CT and RS, respectively (P < 0.05). Runoff differences between BT and CT were significant at all sites while runoff differences between BT and RS were significant at three of four sites. Reductions for each parameter (on a mass basis) averaged across all sites were: sediment 89%, nitrate 45%, ammonium 38%, and phosphate 15%; although, treatment effect was not significant for some mass loads in some fields. No significant effect on marketable potato yield was observed at any site; soil water was not limiting in either growing season. Overall, basin tillage was effective at reducing runoff and nutrient losses without affecting yield and appears to be an effective tool for decreasing environmental risks.     

Evaluation of the DRAINMOD-N II model for predicting nitrogen losses in a loamy sand under cultivation in south-east Sweden

The DRAINMOD-N II model (version 6.0) was evaluated for a cold region in south-east Sweden. The model was field-tested using four periods between 2002 and 2004 of climate, soil, hydrology and water quality data from three experimental plots, planted to a winter wheat-sugarbeet-barley-barley crop rotation and managed using conventional and controlled drainage. DRAINMOD-N II was calibrated using data from a conventional drainage plot, while data sets from two controlled drainage plots were used for model validation. The model was statistically evaluated by comparing simulated and measured drain flows and nitrate-nitrogen (NO₃-N) losses in subsurface drains. Soil mineral nitrogen (N) content was used to evaluate simulated N dynamics. Observed and predicted NO₃-N losses in subsurface drains were in satisfactory agreement. The mean absolute error (MAE) in predicting NO₃-N drainage losses was 0.16 kg N ha⁻¹ for the calibration plot and 0.21 and 0.30 kg N ha⁻¹ for the two validation plots. For the simulation period, the modelling efficiency (E) was 0.89 for the calibration plot and 0.49 and 0.55 for the validation plots. The overall index of agreement (d) was 0.98 for the calibration plot and 0.79 and 0.80 for the validation plots. These results show that DRAINMOD-N II is applicable for predicting NO₃-N losses from drained soil under cold conditions in south-east Sweden.     

Modeling runoff from middle Himalayan watersheds employing artificial intelligence techniques

Himalayas are ecologically fragile, and unplanned exploitation of natural resources is severely affecting water flow regimes in the mountainous watersheds. Therefore, it is imperative to quantify the effect of different environmental and morphological factors on flow behavior in the micro-watersheds to efficiently plan and execute water management practices in a sustainable manner. In this study, three hilly micro-watersheds were gauged in Uttaranchal State of India to assess the impact of morphological characteristics and land uses on surface runoff, base flow and total flow. Artificial intelligence (AI) models based on the multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) technique were employed to predict surface runoff, base flow, and total flow as affected by rainfall and morphological features of the micro-watersheds. Daily rainfall, runoff, base flow, and total flow data recorded from July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2003 in the three watersheds, were used to develop and validate MARS models. The average correlation coefficients between the observed and predicted runoff, base flow, and total flow for the unseen test datasets were 0.573, 0.884, and 0.881, respectively. The corresponding average deviations were −0.113, −0.02, and −0.04 mm, and the average absolute deviations were 0.171, 0.187, and 0.267 mm, respectively. Thus, the analysis revealed that base flows and total flows, as predicted by MARS, were in close agreement with the observed values while the surface runoff predictions were reasonable at best. MARS analysis determined that 5-day antecedent precipitation index (API₅), rainfall, day of the year, runoff estimated by using curve number method, and watershed area are the most important variables for simulating runoff in hilly watersheds. Soil cover and watershed geometry parameters also affected runoff generation which are indirectly covered in the estimation of runoff by curve number method. In order to explore applicability of MARS models on ungauged watersheds, data from two watersheds were used to develop MARS models, and tested on the third watershed. The observed and predicted values of flows were found to be in a reasonably good agreement. The correlation coefficients for the unseen test datasets varied from 0.391 to 0.648 for surface runoff, 0.736 to 0.879 for base flow, and 0.789 to 0.886 for total flow. The prediction for surface runoff can improve further if more data on surface flow events are available. Therefore, it is concluded that MARS models have the potential to simulate runoff in hilly areas and can be applied satisfactorily to ungauged watersheds under identical agro-climatic situations.     

Micro-catchment water harvesting potential of an arid environment

Micro-catchment water harvesting (MCWH) requires development of small structures across mild land slopes, which capture overland flow and store it in soil profile for subsequent plant uses. Water availability to plants depends on the micro-catchment runoff yield and water storage capacity of both the plant basin and the soil profile in the plant root zone. This study assessed the MCWH potential of a Mediterranean arid environment by using runoff micro-catchment and soil water balance approaches. Average annual rainfall and evapotranspiration of the studied environment were estimated as 111 and 1671 mm, respectively. This environment hardly supports vegetation without supplementary water. During the study period, the annual rain was 158 mm in year 2004/2005, 45 mm in year 2005/2006 and 127 mm in year 2006/2007. About 5000 MCWH basins were developed for shrub raising on a land slope between 2 and 5% by using three different techniques. Runoff at the outlets of 26 micro-catchments with catchment areas between 13 and 50 m² was measured. Also the runoff was indirectly assessed for another 40 micro-catchments by using soil water balance in the micro-catchments and the plant basins. Results show that runoff yield varied between 5 and 187 m³ ha⁻¹ for various rainfall events. It was between 5 and 85% of the incidental rainfall with an average value of 30%. The rainfall threshold for runoff generation was estimated about 4 mm. Overall; the soil water balance approach predicted 38-57% less water than micro-catchment runoff approach. This difference was due to the reason that the micro-catchment runoff approach accounted for entire event runoff in the tanks; thus showed a maximum water harvesting potential of the micro-catchments. Soil water balance approach estimated water storage in soil profile and did not incorporate water losses through spillage from plant basins and deep percolation. Therefore, this method depicted water storage capacity of the plant basins and the root zone soil profile. The different between maximum water harvesting potential and soil-water storage capacity is surplus runoff that can be better utilized through appropriate MCWH planning.     

基于原型观测与DEM的强风化花岗岩小流域水文过程模拟

为了解华南花岗岩小流域特殊的产流机制,以土壤为砂壤土、基岩为强风化花岗岩的中山大学珠海校区滨海小流域作为研究对象,观测了2个分别代表森林、灌丛覆盖的5 m×10 m的径流试验场的产流过程和土壤含水率变化过程。观测结果表明超渗产流、优先流是试验场的重要产流方式,壤中流（尤其是在土壤-基岩界面上产生的壤中流）对试验场的总产流量也有较大贡献。在径流试验场原型观测基础上,建立了一个基于数字高程模型（DEM）的、包括地表径流、壤中流和基岩裂隙出流的三水源小流域水文模型。利用9次降雨径流过程对模型参数进行率定,利用4次降雨径流过程进行验证,模型的率定、验证均取得了良好的拟合效果。根据模型的模拟结果,在径流的起涨阶段地表产流贡献最大,而基岩裂隙出流对退水过程贡献明显。综合试验场原型观测结果与模型模拟结果得出结论：明显的壤中流和基岩裂隙出流是华南花岗岩小流域显著的产流特点。     

Annual carbon and nitrogen loadings for a furrow-irrigated field

Evaluations of agricultural management practices for soil C sequestration have largely focused on practices, such as reduced tillage or compost/manure applications, that minimize soil respiration and/or maximize C input, thereby enhancing soil C stabilization. Other management practices that impact carbon cycling in agricultural systems, such as irrigation, are much less understood. As part of a larger C sequestration project that focused on potential of C sequestration for standard and minimum tillage systems of irrigated crops, the effects of furrow irrigation on the field C and N loading were evaluated. Experiments were conducted on a laser-leveled 30 ha grower's field in the Sacramento valley near Winters, CA. For the 2005 calendar year, water inflow and runoff was measured for all rainfall and irrigation events. Samples were analyzed for C and N associated with both sediment and dissolved fractions. Total C and N loads in the sediment were always higher in the incoming irrigation water than field runoff. Winter storms moved little sediment, but removed substantial amounts of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), or about one-third of the total C balance. Despite high DOC loads in runoff, the large volumes of applied irrigation water with sediment and DOC resulted in a net increase in total C for most irrigation events. The combined net C input and N loss to the field, as computed from the field water balance, was 30.8 kg C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ and 5.4 kg N ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ for the 2005 calendar year. It is concluded that transport of C and N by irrigation and runoff water should be considered when estimating the annual C field balance and sequestration potential of irrigated agro-ecosystems.     

Modeling nitrogen cycling in tomato–safflower and tomato–wheat rotations

The use of crop models to simulate the nitrogen (N) cycle in crop rotations is of major interest because of the complexity of processes that simultaneously interact. We studied the performance of the Erosion Productivity Impact Calculator (EPIC) model in simulating the N cycle in two different rotations under irrigation: tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)–safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) and tomato–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Processing tomatoes were grown on raised beds and furrow irrigated in 1994 in the Sacramento Valley of California, USA. Safflower and wheat were grown in 1995 and 1994–95, respectively, after the previous tomato crop. A data set from safflower grown on different plots in 1994 was used to calibrate the model for this crop. The model accurately predicted the yield, biomass and N uptake of the crops in the rotation. Soil inorganic N was also accurately simulated in the two rotations. The model predicted important amounts of N leached during the winter period of 1994–95 due to the heavy rainfall. The model was used to explore the influence of rotation type (tomato–safflower or tomato–wheat) and irrigation type (fixed amounts and dates or flexible automatic irrigation). Simulation results of the two rotations during 10 years (1986–95) predicted average losses by leaching higher than 200 kg N ha⁻¹ for each rotation period, irrespective of the rotation type. Losses were more important during the fall–winter and increased as rainfall increased above a threshold rainfall of 300 mm. The flexible automatic irrigation resulted in lower N leached during the tomato crop season. Simulation results indicated that a fallow period during the fall–winter following processing tomatoes should be avoided because of the high risk of N leaching losses. The introduction in the rotation of a deep-rooted crop, such as safflower, grown with low irrigation, drastically reduced the risk of N leaching during the following fall–winter period, without substantial yield reductions.     

基于PEST的RZWQM2模型参数优化与验证

根据糯玉米-冬小麦田间喷灌试验不同处理结果,利用独立的自动参数估计软件PEST对RZWQM2模型进行参数优化,并分析了24个模型参数的综合敏感度。通过控制不同观测变量(土壤含水率、土壤氮素含量、作物叶面积指数、产量)模拟差异函数值在目标函数中的比重,优化目标方程,确定模型参数,并用田间试验数据对模型进行验证。结果表明,在不同观测变量的模拟差异函数值最接近条件下,冬小麦出叶间隔特性参数、冬小麦春化作用敏感特性参数及糯玉米出叶间隔特性参数等3个参数对模型整体模拟效果影响最大。相比试错法而言,基于PEST优化的RZWQM2模型能够更准确地模拟糯玉米-冬小麦轮作系统中水分、氮素及作物生长情况。     

Water balance of Swamp Mahogany and Rhodes grass irrigated with treated sewage effluent

Water balance of Swamp Mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta Sm.) and Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth var. Callide) plantations was studied in large experimental plots, which were irrigated with secondary treated sewage effluent. The tree plots designated as T10, T20, T30 and T40 received four different nitrogen (N) concentrations of 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg/l, respectively. The grass plot designated as G30 received one N level (30 mg/l). The objective of the study was to compare growth and water use of these plantations and the possible effluent losses to the environment.There was little response to N treatment in the first year of tree growth. A significant response to high N concentration was observed in tree treatment plots in the second year of the growth. Thus, at 20 month stage, the T40 trees reached a height of 4.1 m and had a leaf area index (LAI) of 2.5 compared with 2.2 m and 1.6, respectively in T10 trees. As expected, the T40 treatment had the largest interception losses (10%) and the least runoff and interflow. There was a progressive decrease in runoff and interflow with reductions in the level of nitrogen applied.Annual evapotranspiration was calculated to be 982 and 1191 mm, in the first and second year for grass compared with 1126 and 1269 mm, respectively for the T30 treatment. Grass and trees receiving the same concentration of N in effluent (30 mg/l) were transpiring at similar monthly rates, with crop factors of 0.79 for the grass and 0.85 for the trees, which were not statistically different. These results in plots subject to regular effluent irrigation are markedly different from findings of previous studies, which indicated a very large increase in water use of trees compared to grass vegetation under dryland conditions. Although evapotranspiration utilised the largest portion of the incoming water to the plots, the need for irrigation was reduced by the occurrence of frequent rainfall at the site. Runoff comprised the largest off site loss mechanism, especially during high rainfall periods indicating that coastal areas with low irrigation demand provide a limited opportunity for land disposal of effluent. Other site characteristics such as shallow soils increase the risks of environmental pollution through runoff from application site. Increase in area of application and adoption of a filtering technique will reduce risks to the soil and the environment.     

Summer cover crop impacts on soil percolation and nitrogen leaching from a winter corn field

The impacts of a leguminous summer cover crop (sunn hemp; Crotalaria juncea) on nitrogen leaching from a corn (Zea mays L.) field was evaluated by direct measurements of soil water content and nitrogen balance components, complemented by direct and inverse modeling as an exploratory tool to better understand water flow and nitrogen balances in the soil. Water and nitrogen inputs and outputs were measured during winter corn production in an experimental field located in the south Miami-Dade basin in southern Florida (USA). Data from the last two seasons (2001-2002 and 2002-2003) of a 4-year study are presented. The field was divided into six 0.13 ha plots. One-half of the plots were rotated with sunn hemp (CC plots) during the summer while the remaining plots were kept fallow (NC plots). Sweet corn management was uniform on all plots and followed grower recommended practices. A numerical model (WAVE) for describing water and agrochemical movement in the soil was used to simulate water and nitrogen balances in both types of plots during the corn seasons. The hydrodynamic component of WAVE was calibrated with soil water data collected continuously at three depths, which resulted in accurate soil water content predictions (coefficients of efficiency of 0.85 and 0.91 for CC and NC plots, respectively). Measured components of the nitrogen balance (corn yields, estimated nitrogen uptake, and soil organic nitrogen) were used to positively assess the quality of the nitrogen simulation results. Results of the modeled water balance indicate that using sunn hemp as a cover crop improved the soil physical conditions (increase in soil water retention) and subsequently enhanced actual crop evapotranspiration and reduced soil drainage. However, nitrogen simulation results suggest that, although corn nitrogen uptake and yields were slightly higher in the CC plots than in the NC plots, there were net increases of soil N content that resulted in increased N leaching to the shallow aquifer. Therefore, the use of sunn hemp as cover crop should be coupled with reductions in N fertilizer applied to the winter crop to account for the net increase in soil N content.