| Abstract: | Estimating denitrification in agriculturally used soils: II. Results and evaluation This is the second of two papers describing a denitrification model. Whereas in the first paper the model approach was described, the second paper deals with results obtained with the model. To evaluate the model's performance, 14 profiles in the catchment area of a water-work were studied in detail. For each site the potential and the actual annual denitrification rates were estimated. It was found that the least favorable conditions for denitrification occurred in the sandy soils of the study area. Consequently, estimated denitrification rates were lowest (< 10 kg N ha?1 a?1) in these soils. Estimated denitrification rates were highest (50 kg N ha?1 a?1) in peal and river plain soils, with either a high amount of organic matter and/or a high groundwater table. In silty loess soils, denitrification losses were estimated to be 20 to 35 kg N ha?1 a?1. With use of the anion concentrations in the surface layer of the groundwater, a plausibility study was conducted to evaluate the estimated denitrification losses. Its results show that the values obtained are realistic. However, a true calibration of the model is still necessary. |
