SWAT‐simulated hydrological impact of land‐use change in the Zanjanrood basin, Northwest Iran

• DOI: 10.1002/hyp.7530
• Publication Date: 2009-12-17T22:20:51Z
• Authors: Golaleh Ghaffari; Saskia Keesstra; Jamal Ghodousi; Hassan Ahmadi
• Keywords: Shrubland; Water balance; Overgrazing

Abstract Understanding the impacts of land‐use changes on hydrology at watershed scale can facilitate development sustainable water resource strategies. This paper investigates hydrological effects change in Zanjanrood basin, Iran. The balance was simulated using Soil and Water Assessment Tool (AVSWAT2000). Model calibration uncertainty analysis were performed with sequential fitting (SUFI‐2). Simulation results from January 1998 to December 2002 used for parameter calibration, then model validated period 2003 2004. predicted monthly streamflow matched observed values: during correlation coefficient 0·86 Nash–Sutcliffe 0·79, compared 0·80 respectively, validation. simulate main components cycle, order study 1967, 1994 2007. reveals that 1967 a 34·5% decrease grassland concurrent increases shrubland (13·9%), rain‐fed agriculture (12·1%), bare ground (5·5%) irrigated (2·2%), urban area (0·7%) led 33% increase amount surface runoff 22% groundwater recharge. Furthermore, sub‐basins influenced by high (14–28 mm) increased. indicate response overgrazing replacing rangelands (grassland shrubland) (badlands) is nonlinear exhibits threshold effect. rises dramatically when more than 60% rangeland removed. For this lies an 80% rangeland. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.