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Title: NUMERICAL MODELING TO STUDY THE FATE OF NITROGEN IN CROPPING SYSTEMS AND BEST MANAGEMENT CASE STUDIES

Author
item Delgado, Jorge
item Alva, Ashok
item FARES, A - UNIV OF HAWAII, HONOLULU
item PARAMASIVAM, S - SAVANNAH STATE UNIV
item MATTOS, JR, D - IAC, BRAZIL
item SAJWAN, K - SAVANNAH STATE UNIV

Submitted to: Journal of Crop Improvement
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/1/2003
Publication Date: 6/1/2004
Citation: Delgado, J.A., Alva, A.K., Fares, A., Paramasivam, S., Mattos, Jr, D., Sajwan, K. 2004. Numerical modeling to study the fate of nitrogen in cropping systems and best management case studies. Journal of Crop Improvement. 15:369-420.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: With so many cropping systems and variabilities, modeling becomes a significant tool to evaluate the potential to use BMPs to reduce NO3-N leaching losses and increase water N uptake efficiencies. Numerical modeling can simulate water and N budgets to evaluate irrigation systems and the transport of NO3-N in the soil profile and NO3-N leaching losses. Models have been used to evaluate the effect of BMPs on N uptake efficiency and NO3-N leaching losses (Delgado, 2001a). Users have the flexibility to choose the detail of information needed to evaluate a specific practice and the time or frequency interval that is desired. Nutrient managers can choose from general basic index model to a very detail research numerical model. The internet and recent advances on modeling have made models available to all types of uers. Non-modelers now can use models to conduct site specific analyses at a local level. Scientists, agronomists, extension personnel, consultants, and farmers can use these models to improve N management. Model has been proposed to be used to develop a National Nitrate Leaching Index (NLI) assessment tool to help identify potential `hot spots¿ and susceptible areas. Shaffer and Delgado (2002) recommended that the development of a National Nitrate Leaching Index should be internet based to have quick assess to the latest version of the model and databases. Numerical modeling tools are here to stay and will become more widely used to contribute to the development and implementation of more efficient N and irrigation management practices.