Title: Evaluation of AnnAGNPS and its applications in a semi-arid and semi-humid watershed in Northwest China

Authors: Jiake Li; Huaien Li; Yajiao Li

Addresses: Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource and Environment Ecology of MOE, Xi'an University of Technology, 5 South Jinghua Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710048, China ' Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource and Environment Ecology of MOE, Xi'an University of Technology, 5 South Jinghua Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710048, China ' School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, 58 Yanta road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, China

Abstract: The main goal of this study was to evaluate the performance of AnnAGNPS (Annualised Agricultural Non-Point Source Pollution Model) in simulating runoff, sediment loading and nutrient loading in a semi-arid and semi-humid watershed of an area of 1481sq km, located in Northwest China. This model was first calibrated and tested by historic monitoring data and then the validated model was used to simulate the effects of non-point source (NPS) pollution management measures. The results indicate that reforestation measures, which reduce the amount of runoff, sediment, total nitrogen and total phosphorus, should be adopted in the study watershed to control NPS pollution. The model was also used to assess the effects of other measures on NPS pollution. This study concludes that AnnAGNPS has the potential to be a valuable tool for the planning and management of watersheds in the semi-arid regions of China.

Keywords: AnnAGNPS model; management measure; effect simulation; environmental pollution; China; agriculture; non-point source pollution; runoff; sediment loading; nutrient loading; reforestation; watersheds; water pollution; watershed management; semi-arid regions.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2012.049769

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2012 Vol.49 No.1/2, pp.62 - 88

Received: 20 Aug 2011
Accepted: 29 Jun 2012
Published online: 19 Nov 2014 *

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