ANSWERS-2000: Non-Point-Source Nutrient Planning Model

Abstract

ANSWERS-2000, a non-point-source planning model was modified to simulate long-term nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) transport from rural watersheds. The model simulates infiltration, evapotranspiration, percolation, and runoff and losses of nitrate, adsorbed and dissolved ammonium, adsorbed total Kjeldahl N, and adsorbed and dissolved P losses. Eight soil nutrient pools are modeled: stable organic N, active organic N, nitrate, ammonium, and stable mineral P, active mineral P, organic P, and exchangeable P. The model was validated on two small watersheds without calibration and on a large watershed with calibration of only the sediment detachment parameters. Predicted cumulative runoff, sediment, nitrate, dissolved ammonium, adsorbed total Kjeldahl N, and orthophosphorus P losses were within a factor of 2 of observed values (−40 to +44% of observed values). Predictions of individual runoff event losses were not as accurate (−98 to +250%). The model seriously underpredicted adsorbed ammonium losses by up to 97%, and additional work is recommended on this submodel. In a practical application, the use of the model in evaluating the cost-effectiveness of alternative management scenarios was demonstrated.