Comparison of simulated nitrogen balance under drained and un-drained catchment conditions

Abstract

The USDA - Erosion/Productivity Impact Calculator (EPIC) model has been adapted to simulate the influence of tile drainage on nitrogen losses from the soil. The methods used are both analyses of water quality data as well as numerical simulations from selected pilot catchment in Lithuania. The results show that the direct effect of drainage is an increase in the quantities of nitrogen leached from agricultural land. However, it was also concluded that the choice of land management practice was extremely important for the leaching process.