MAGIM
Matter fluxes in grasslands of Inner Mongolia as influenced by stocking rate (MAGIM)
Authors:
Katrin Schneider, Nicole Archer, Lutz Breuer, Sander Huisman, Hans-Georg Frede
Project period:
01.04.2004-31.03.2006
Keywords:
sustainable management, nutrient fluxes, hydrology, erosion, integrated modelling
Abstract:
Primary target of this sub-project is to quantify the water cycle as well as the relocation and export of sediment and nitrogen from the Xilin river catchment. The spatially distributed, process orientated eco-hydrological model SWAT is used and parameterised by field experiments, remotely sensed data and expert knowledge. The validation of SWAT is conducted by (i) comparison of modelled to measured gauging data at the Xilin river outlet, and at additionally installed gauging and sediment sampling stations in four sub-catchments, (ii) remote sensing techniques and (iii) field experiments. In addition, a model comparison of SWAT and the high-resolution plot-scale hydrological model HYDRUS 1-D is used to verify the modelled water cycle in test areas. Processes of wind and water erosion as well as biogeochemical C- and N-turnover are primarily driven by soil water conditions. In the framework of the GIS-based integrated model approach, a detailed assessment of wind and water erosion vulnerability, as well as determination of the C- and N- balance of the Xilin catchment, is conducted on the basis of the site-specific description of the regional water balance by SWAT. Recommendations for sustainable land use and management practices for Inner Mongolian grassland ecosystems will be derived within the research group based on the model outputs and field measurements.