Using SWAT Model to Determine Runoff, Sediment Yield and Nitrate Loss in Gorganrood Watershed, Iran

Authors
S. Mahzari 1
F. Kiani 2
M. Azimi 3
F. Khormali 4
1 Former M.Sc Student, Department of Soil Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Gorgan, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Soil Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Gorgan, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Departmentof Range and Watershed Management, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran
4 Professor, Department of Soil Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Gorgan, Iran
Abstract
The adequacy of the SWAT model in the estimation of runoff, sediment yield and nitrate loss in the Gorganrood watershed was tested, using the existing spatial database as the primary data. The model was then executed for a 31-years’ time period. In combination with the SWAT model, the Sequential Uncertainty Fitting Program (SWAT-CUP and SUFI-2) was added used to calibrate and validate a hydrologic model of the watershed. The obtained values at 14 stations were between 0.48 to 0.83 for NS and 0.58 to 0.90 for R2, respectively. The results showed that nitrate loss was higher in cultivated lands, and in the loess deposits. The maximum amounts of runoff and sediment yield were largely produced in steep areas of the watershed, where dry farming was practiced. In general, the results showed that SWAT could be a proper tool for simulating runoff, sediment yield and nitrate loss into the river.
Keywords
SWAT model
SUFI-2
Runoff
Sediment
Nitrate loss
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ECOPERSIA
Volume 4, Issue 2 - Serial Number 16
June 2016
Pages 1359-1377