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CRC PUBLICATIONS |
The Riparian Nitrogen Model (RNM): Basic Theory and Conceptualisation.
David Rassam
Daniel Pagendam
Heather Hunter
Publication Type:
This is a publication of the current CRC for Catchment Hydrology
CRC Program:
Landuse Impacts on Rivers
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Publication Keywords:
Riparian vegetation
Groundwater flow
Nitrate
Models
Water quality
Denitrification
Buffers
Buffering capacity
Nitrate reduction
Rehabilitation
River management
Floodplains
Flooding
Surface water
Contaminants
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Abstract / Summary:
Preface
Across Australia there is great interest in riparian zone restoration as a means of improving waterway health. One of the features of riparian zones is their ability to significantly reduce nitrogen loads entering streams,
by removing nitrate from groundwater passing through them. The Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Catchment Hydrology carried out research into the
processes of nitrate transport and removal in riparian zones (1999-2005), in collaboration with the CRC for Coastal Zone, Estuary and Waterway Management.
The initial focus of the research was on field-based experimentation backed by detailed laboratory studies, to develop a sound conceptual understanding of the
key processes involved. This included investigations of riparian zone hydrology and of denitrification, the microbial process whereby nitrate is converted to
nitrogen gas and released to the atmosphere. From this information the Riparian Nitrogen Model (RNM) has been developed and incorporated into the CRC for
Catchment Hydrology
s modelling Toolkit. Used in conjunction with catchment water quality models, the RNM can estimate nitrate transport and loss in riparian zones and predict responses to changes in management.
This report provides a detailed description of the RNM, including the conceptual basis of the model and its formulation, the data requirements and the model outputs. It also outlines the features of a riparian mapping tool that helps users identify riparian areas where restoration activities are likely to be most effective in reducing stream nitrogen loads.
Peter Wallbrink
Program Leader, Land-Use Impacts on Rivers
CRC for Catchment Hydrology
This report is available for downloading below.
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1 Download(s) |
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Centre Office:
CRC for Catchment Hydrology
Dept of Civil Engineering
Building 60
Monash University Vic 3800
Tel: +61 3 9905 2704
Fax: +61 3 9905 5033
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