title: Index models to evaluate the risk of phosphorus and nitrogen loss at catchment scales.
abstract: This paper investigates index models as a tool to estimate the risk of N and P source strengths and loss at the catchment scale. The index models assist managers in improving the focus of remediation actions that reduce nutrient delivery to waterbodies. N and P source risk factors (e.g. soil nutrient concentrations) and transport risk factors (e.g. distance-to-streams) are used to determine the overall risk of nutrient loss for a case study in the Tuross River catchment of coastal southeast Australia. In the development of the N index model for Tuross, particulate N was considered important based on the observed event water quality data. In contrast to previous N index models, erosion and contributing distance were therefore included in the Tuross River catchment N index. Event-based water quality monitoring, and soil information, or in data-poor catchments conceptual understanding, are essential to represent catchment-scale processes. The techniques have high applicability in other catchments, and are complementary to other modelling techniques such as process-based semi-distributed modelling. Index models generally provide much more detailed spatial resolution than fully- or semi-distributed conceptual modelling approaches. Semi-distributed models can be used to quantify nutrient loads and provide overall direction to set the broad focus of management. Index models can then be used to refine on-the-ground investigations and investment priorities. In this way semi-distributed models can be combined with index models to provide a set of powerful tools to influence management decisions and outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Integrated Catchment Assessment and Management Centre, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Building 48A, Linnaeus Way, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia. john.drewry@nt.gov.au
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Drewry
authors.forename: L T H
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Newham
authors.forename: R S B
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Greene
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis*; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000032:analysis*; D018570:Risk Assessment
chemical_list: D010758:Phosphorus; D009584:Nitrogen