Abstract
The process-based INCA model was applied to Dalelva Brook (3.2 km2) and the Bjerkreim River (685 km2) including several subcatchments, in order to test the model’s ability to simulate streamwater nitrate (NO −3 ) dynamics and output fluxes under highly contrasting climatic conditions and nitrogen (N) loading. The simulated runoff volumes and mean NO3 - concentrations at Dalelva and Bjerkreim were within +2 to +10% of the measured average during 1993–1995 (−19 to +31% within individual years). INCA to a great extent also reproduced the observed streamwater flow dynamics at both study sites (coefficient of determination, r2 > 0.70). Temporal variation of stream-water NO −3 during 1993–1995 was captured quite well by the model, especially at small catchments with a distinct seasonal NO −3 pattern (r 2 = 0.46−0.68). At the Bjerkreim River outlet, the relationship were somewhat weaker (r 2 = 0.26, p < 0.01). Despite a few situations where the model failed to capture the streamwater NO −3 dynamics, INCA proved to be a quite robust tool for simulating NO −3 dynamics and output fluxes in the two study catchments.
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Kaste, Ø. (2004). Simulation of Nitrogen Dynamics and Fluxes in Contrasting Catchments in Norway by Applying the Integrated Nitrogen Model for Catchments (INCA). In: Wieder, R.K., Novák, M., Vile, M.A. (eds) Biogeochemical Investigations of Terrestrial, Freshwater, and Wetland Ecosystems across the Globe. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0952-2_7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0952-2_7
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