NLES5 – An empirical model for estimating nitrate leaching from the root zone of agricultural land

• DOI: 10.1016/j.eja.2022.126465
• Publication Date: 2022-02-01T09:59:28Z
• Authors: Christen D. Børgesen; Johannes WM Pullens; Jin Zhao; Gitte Blicher-Mat...; Peter Sørensen; Jørgen E. Olesen
• Keywords: Topsoil; DNS root zone

NLES5 is the fifth version of an empirical model for predicting annual nitrate leaching from root zone (1-meter depth), accounting effects nitrogen (N) inputs, crop sequences, autumn and winter cover, soil types, weather conditions. It was developed calibrated based on a comprehensive dataset, primarily Denmark. The used quantifying under Danish soil, weather, field management practice. simulates N application rate, presence cover crop, targeting measures to reduce agricultural improvement quality groundwater surface water systems. takes into account in year two previous years, while long-term inputs are accounted via total topsoil. provides estimates most important crops grown Denmark their at cropping system level considering climate. prediction average following 13 main classes varied 25 170 kg ha−1 with performance (independent validation data (856 observations)) Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) 30.8 coefficient determination (R2) value 0.40. RMSE obtained calibration (2053 observations) 29.6 R2 0.53.