Spatial Modelling for Nitrogen Leaching from Intensive Farming in Red River Delta of Vietnam

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Mai, V.T. | Hoanh, C.T. | Van Keulen, H.^; | Hessel, R.

Affiliations: Plant Production Systems Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 430, 6700 AK Wageningen, The Netherlands | International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Southeast Asia Regional Office (IWMI-SEA) Nongviengkham Village, Xaythany District, Vientiane, Lao PDR | Plant Research International, Wageningen University and Research Centre P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands | Soil Science Centre, Alterra Green World Research, Wageningen University and Research Centre P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands

Note: [] Corresponding author: E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: In this study, a spatial dynamic model was developed, to simulate nitrogen dynamics in Van Hoi commune, Tam Duong district, Vietnam, for different soil and land use types, under different irrigation and fertilizer regimes. The model has been calibrated using measured nitrogen concentrations in soil solution in March and August 2004 and validated for data from March and August 2005. Lateral flow was low in this level area. Percolation was the main process leading to high nitrogen leaching losses to ground water. Calculated annual leaching losses varied from 88 to 122 kg N ha^{-1} in flowers, 64 to 82 in vegetables of the cabbage group, 51 to 76 in chili, 56 to 75 in vegetables of the squash group, and 36 to 55 in rice.

Keywords: Vegetables, rice, lateral flow, percolation, simulation, PCRaster

Journal: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 51-61, 2013