Variability in modelling nutrient losses from land treatment systems

Author: Jack Feltham

Source: Pattle Delamore Partners Ltd

Year: 2019

Abstract

This study considers the potential variation in estimated nutrient loss due to data limitations, with a focus on soil properties, and variation due to adopted modelling methodology for nutrient and irrigation input.

For the inputs selected for this study, it was generally found that variation in nutrient loss was most significant due to data limitations, with the impacts of modelling methodology having minor impact on nutrient loss estimates.

Given the potential for variation, and the requirement for certainty in regulation, this study indicates that the regulation of nutrient losses from land treatment systems should not rely on Overseer® modelling of land treatment systems using default or inferred soil inputs.