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Little information is available regarding the performance of the CERES‐Maize model under nemoral climate conditions. Therefore, this study aims to estimate and compare major soil‐plant nitrogen (N) cycle parameters in grain maize crop after application of synthetic and different organic fertilizers solely or in combination in nemoral zone maize production, using the DSSAT model. Field experiments carried out during 2015, 2016, and 2017 in Akademija (Lithuania) were considered for model calibration and validation. The model was successfully validated for total aboveground biomass (TAB, R2 = 0.89), grain yield (GY, R2 = 0.85), and acceptably for leaf area index (LAI, R2 = 0.57), total plant N uptake (R2 = 0.61), and residual soil mineral nitrogen (R2 = 0.64). The lower plant N uptake and soil mineral nitrogen (SMN) observed for the pelletized cattle manure (PCM) and green waste compost (GWC) treatments compared to the fertilization with synthetic ammonium nitrate (AN) were successfully captured by the model. Finally, the model provided reasonable predictions of the temporal dynamics of measured soil water content (SWC) and soil temperature. The validated model was further used to provide N loss estimations during the maize growing seasons via leaching and gaseous emissions. The results showed that the CERES‐Maize model can successfully be used to simulate maize growth under the extreme climatic conditions of the nemoral zone in combination with different N managements. Nevertheless, additional efforts are needed to verify and fine‐tune the model to comprehensively simulate the N cycle, especially losses by drainage water and gaseous emissions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Renaldas Žydelis; Farida Dechmi; Ramon Isla; Lutz Weihermüller; Sigitas Lazauskas. CERES‐Maize model performance under mineral and organic fertilization in nemoral climate conditions. Agronomy Journal 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleRenaldas Žydelis, Farida Dechmi, Ramon Isla, Lutz Weihermüller, Sigitas Lazauskas. CERES‐Maize model performance under mineral and organic fertilization in nemoral climate conditions. Agronomy Journal. 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRenaldas Žydelis; Farida Dechmi; Ramon Isla; Lutz Weihermüller; Sigitas Lazauskas. 2021. "CERES‐Maize model performance under mineral and organic fertilization in nemoral climate conditions." Agronomy Journal , no. : 1.
In any agricultural watershed, best management practices (BMPs) are a conservational way to reduce non-point source pollution and, soil and water resources sustainability. The objectives of this study were to calibrate and validate the modified Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) in the Violada Watershed (VW), Spain and assess the BMPs scenarios, already tested at field scale, using the Decision Support System for Agro Technology Transfer model (DSSAT), and finally, to access the BMPs impact on water quality off-site. To this end, daily streamflow discharge and NO3− concentration were measured at VW outlet from October 2015 to September 2017 for model evaluation. The SWAT-CUP was used for sensitivity analysis, calibration and validation for both measured variables after manual calibration of the main crops yield. Three management scenarios were compared to the current conditions (baseline): (i) recommended N fertilization, (ii) optimum irrigation and; (iii) combined recommended N fertilization and optimum irrigation (combined BMPs). The SWAT crop growth model calibration demonstrated that the annual average of crop yield and actual evapotranspiration estimations were satisfactory. Monthly calibration and validation results were satisfactory for streamflow discharge and NO3-N load, with Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) according to the criteria reported in the literature. The two individual scenarios results showed difference in their environmental impact and therefore combined BMPs scenario was considered more efficient in reducing NO3-N load (51%) than the recommended N fertilization (36%) and the optimum irrigation (12%), while including all additional environment and farmers' benefits of both individual scenarios. Under this combined scenarios, all crops yields were maintained or increased, and the total irrigation water and N mineral fertilizers application reduction were about 5% and 27%, respectively. However, further work is still needed to consider additional BMPs to limit the soil N residual losses during the non-cropped period. The applied methodology can be a good alternative for improving water quality in similar irrigated watersheds.
W. Malik; M.-T. Jiménez-Aguirre; F. Dechmi. Coupled DSSAT-SWAT models to reduce off-site N pollution in Mediterranean irrigated watershed. Science of The Total Environment 2020, 745, 141000 .
AMA StyleW. Malik, M.-T. Jiménez-Aguirre, F. Dechmi. Coupled DSSAT-SWAT models to reduce off-site N pollution in Mediterranean irrigated watershed. Science of The Total Environment. 2020; 745 ():141000.
Chicago/Turabian StyleW. Malik; M.-T. Jiménez-Aguirre; F. Dechmi. 2020. "Coupled DSSAT-SWAT models to reduce off-site N pollution in Mediterranean irrigated watershed." Science of The Total Environment 745, no. : 141000.
In intensive agricultural systems, irrigation and nitrogen (N) fertilizer are the most important factors that influence crop production and N losses. This work aimed to evaluate the N best management practices using the calibrated and validated Decision Support System for Agro-technology Transfer (DSSAT) model for maize (short and long season), wheat, barley, sunflower and alfalfa in the Violada Irrigation District (VID, Northeast Spain) to reduce the impact of N losses on irrigation return flows quality. In total, 59 farmers’ field plots were investigated from 2014 to 2017 crop seasons distributed in the different soil types in the VID in order to assess the current and optimum N fertilization and the combined irrigation and N fertilization management practices. Considering the whole cultivated crop area in each soil type of the VID and comparing with the current N fertilization, results showed that the optimum N management could reduce the NO3–N leaching below root zone by 51 % and residual NO3–N in soil by 58 %. These reductions could be improved further by 35 % and 3 %, respectively, under the combined N fertilization and irrigation optimum management. The more vulnerable soils for NO3–N leaching (shallow and/or very permeable soils) were also identified. As for the impact of individual crops, the model identified that both long and short season maize were the most polluting crops (84 % of total N leached) due to the heavy fertilization applied by the local farmers that exceed crop requirements by more than 50 %. Moreover, the recommended irrigation and N fertilization could reduce N2O–N emissions by 60 %, the triple than under the recommended N fertilization alone. This study supports the potential of the DSSAT model to incentivize farmers to adjust their N fertilizer and irrigation practices to crop requirement and soil properties to ensure production while improving environmental sustainability.
Wafa Malik; Farida Dechmi. Modelling agricultural nitrogen losses to enhance the environmental sustainability under Mediterranean conditions. Agricultural Water Management 2019, 230, 105966 .
AMA StyleWafa Malik, Farida Dechmi. Modelling agricultural nitrogen losses to enhance the environmental sustainability under Mediterranean conditions. Agricultural Water Management. 2019; 230 ():105966.
Chicago/Turabian StyleWafa Malik; Farida Dechmi. 2019. "Modelling agricultural nitrogen losses to enhance the environmental sustainability under Mediterranean conditions." Agricultural Water Management 230, no. : 105966.
Water is considered the most critical resource for sustainable development in Spain. Crop models can enhance water efficiency, which provides an economic advantage while also reducing environmental burdens. The aim of this study was to calibrate and evaluate the Decision Support System for Agro-technology Transfer (DSSAT) model for the major crops grown in the fields of the La Violada Irrigation District (VID), Spain; additionally, this research sought to evaluate the current practices and to determine the best irrigation management practices under different soil types in the VID for each crop. Crop and soil type data from 54 plots of farmers’ fields were used for model calibration and evaluation during the 2015 and 2016 irrigation seasons. Two irrigation scenarios were applied in eight soil types in the VID based on the current irrigation applied by farmers and the optimum irrigation adjusted to crop requirement. The DSSAT model demonstrated good performance among maize, wheat, barley and sunflower crops. The evaluation of the current irrigation system showed that farmers were not managing their irrigation systems properly. The adjusted irrigation management application showed a potential reduction in the seasonal irrigation depth for maize-SS (short-season maize) (27%), maize-LS (long season maize) (18%) and sunflower (16%). In a broader context, optimum irrigation practices can reduce the amount of leached N and deep percolation losses by 31% (4.48 T) and 34% (1.2 hm3), respectively, considering the cultivated crop area in each soil type in the entire VID.
Wafa Malik; Farida Dechmi. DSSAT modelling for best irrigation management practices assessment under Mediterranean conditions. Agricultural Water Management 2019, 216, 27 -43.
AMA StyleWafa Malik, Farida Dechmi. DSSAT modelling for best irrigation management practices assessment under Mediterranean conditions. Agricultural Water Management. 2019; 216 ():27-43.
Chicago/Turabian StyleWafa Malik; Farida Dechmi. 2019. "DSSAT modelling for best irrigation management practices assessment under Mediterranean conditions." Agricultural Water Management 216, no. : 27-43.
Maintain high agriculture production levels while reducing environmental impacts is of primordial importance in intensive irrigated areas. Adequate management of water and nitrogen are critical for a sustainable agriculture. The objectives of this work were to (i) calibrate and validate DSSAT model for maize under different nitrogen availability conditions and (ii) assess the effect of best management practices on irrigation water needs and nitrogen losses by leaching using different scenarios in an intensive irrigated area. For model calibration and validation, three field experiments were conducted with a total of 134 plots. Then, the model application was performed in three soil types in the ‘Del Reguero’ watershed (Spain) considering (i) real irrigation applied by farmers and DSSAT automatic irrigation and (ii) a recommended dose of N fertilizer (250 kg N ha−1) compared to a traditional dose of 390 kg N ha−1. Among all plots, the model simulated reasonably well grain yield with a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) lower than 708 kg ha−1 and high Willmott agreement index (d statistic) (>0.9). Very similar trends were observed for total biomass and total N uptake with a RMSE of 2018 kg ha−1 and 36.6 kg N ha−1. The prediction of residual nitrate in soil was acceptable with a RMSE of 43 kg N ha−1.Modeling results showed that adjusted irrigation would reduce (on average for different soil types) the total amount of seasonal irrigation water by 31% and the nitrate leaching by 97% without a significant reduction in grain yield. Regarding to N fertilizer scenarios, results showed that farmers can reduce the N fertilizer currently applied leading to a significant decrease in the N leached between 33 and 53% depending on soil types.
Wafa Malik; Ramón Isla; Farida Dechmi. DSSAT-CERES-maize modelling to improve irrigation and nitrogen management practices under Mediterranean conditions. Agricultural Water Management 2018, 213, 298 -308.
AMA StyleWafa Malik, Ramón Isla, Farida Dechmi. DSSAT-CERES-maize modelling to improve irrigation and nitrogen management practices under Mediterranean conditions. Agricultural Water Management. 2018; 213 ():298-308.
Chicago/Turabian StyleWafa Malik; Ramón Isla; Farida Dechmi. 2018. "DSSAT-CERES-maize modelling to improve irrigation and nitrogen management practices under Mediterranean conditions." Agricultural Water Management 213, no. : 298-308.
Despite alfalfa’s global importance, there is a dearth of crop simulation models available for predicting alfalfa growth and yield with its associated composition. The objectives of this research were to adapt the CSM-CROPGRO Perennial Forage Model for simulating alfalfa growth and yield and to describe model adaptation for this species. Data from six experimental plots grown under sprinkler irrigation in the Ebro valley (Northeast Spain) were used for model adaptation. Starting with parameters for Bracharia brizantha, the model adaptation was based on values and relationships reported from the literature for cardinal temperatures and dry matter partitioning. A Bayesian optimizer was used to optimize temperature effects on photosynthesis and daylength effects on partitioning and an inverse modeling technique was employed for nitrogen fixation rate and nodule growth. The calibration of alfalfa tissue composition was initiated from soybean composition analogy but was improved with values from alfalfa literature. There was considerable iteration in optimizing parameters for the processes outlined above where comparisons were made to measured data. After adaptation, the Root Mean Square Error and d-statistic of harvested herbage averaged across 58 harvests (yield range: 990–4617 kg ha–1) were 760 kg ha–1 and 0.75, respectively. In addition, good agreement was observed for Leaf Area Index (LAI) (LAI range: 0.1–6.7) with d-statistic of 0.71. Simulated belowground mass was within the range of literature values. The results of this study showed that CROPGRO-PFM-Alfalfa can be used to simulate alfalfa growth and development. Further testing with more extensive datasets is needed to improve model robustness. Copyright © 2018. . Copyright © 2018 by the American Society of Agronomy, Inc.
Wafa Malik; Kenneth J. Boote; Gerrit Hoogenboom; Jose Cavero; Farida Dechmi. Adapting the CROPGRO Model to Simulate Alfalfa Growth and Yield. Agronomy Journal 2018, 110, 1777 -1790.
AMA StyleWafa Malik, Kenneth J. Boote, Gerrit Hoogenboom, Jose Cavero, Farida Dechmi. Adapting the CROPGRO Model to Simulate Alfalfa Growth and Yield. Agronomy Journal. 2018; 110 (5):1777-1790.
Chicago/Turabian StyleWafa Malik; Kenneth J. Boote; Gerrit Hoogenboom; Jose Cavero; Farida Dechmi. 2018. "Adapting the CROPGRO Model to Simulate Alfalfa Growth and Yield." Agronomy Journal 110, no. 5: 1777-1790.
Farmers continue to show great differences in irrigation water use, even for a given location and crop. Irrigation advisory services have narrowed the gap between scientific knowledge and on-farm scheduling, but their success has been limited. The performance of sprinkler irrigation is greatly affected by factors such as wind speed, whose short-time variability requires tactical adjustments of the irrigation schedule. Mounting energy costs often require the consideration of interday and intraday tariff evolution. Opportunities have arisen that allow these challenges to be addressed through irrigation controllers guided by irrigation and crop simulation models. Remote control systems are often installed in collective pressurized irrigation networks. Agrometeorological information networks are available in regions worldwide. Water users’ associations use specialized databases for water management. Different configurations of irrigation controllers based on simulation models can develop, continuously update, and execute irrigation schedules aiming at maximizing irrigation adequacy and water productivity. Bottlenecks requiring action in the fields of research, development, and innovation are analyzed, with the goal of establishing agendas leading to the implementation and commercial deployment of advanced controllers for solid-set irrigation.
Enrique Playán; Raquel Salvador; Cristina Lopez; Sergio Lecina; Farida Dechmi; Nery Zapata. Solid-Set Sprinkler Irrigation Controllers Driven by Simulation Models: Opportunities and Bottlenecks. Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering 2014, 140, 04013001 .
AMA StyleEnrique Playán, Raquel Salvador, Cristina Lopez, Sergio Lecina, Farida Dechmi, Nery Zapata. Solid-Set Sprinkler Irrigation Controllers Driven by Simulation Models: Opportunities and Bottlenecks. Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering. 2014; 140 (1):04013001.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEnrique Playán; Raquel Salvador; Cristina Lopez; Sergio Lecina; Farida Dechmi; Nery Zapata. 2014. "Solid-Set Sprinkler Irrigation Controllers Driven by Simulation Models: Opportunities and Bottlenecks." Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering 140, no. 1: 04013001.
Land management practices such as conservation tillage and optimum irrigation are routinely used to reduce non-point source pollution and improve water quality. The calibrated and validated SWAT-IRRIG model is the first modified SWAT version that reproduces well the irrigation return flows (IRF) when the irrigation source is outside of the watershed. The application of this SWAT version in intensive irrigated systems permits to better evaluate the best management practices (BMPs) in such systems. This paper evaluates several BMPs on IRF, total suspended sediment (TSS), organic P (ORG_P), soluble P (SOL_P), and total P (TP) at the outlet Del Reguero stream watershed (Spain). Economic impacts of the BMPs on crop gross margin were also evaluated. In total, 20 BMPs scenarios were tested. The BMPs proposed considered tillage (conservation and no-tillage), fertilizer application (incorporated, recommended, and reduced), and irrigation (adjusted to crop needs). The measured data series corresponding to 2008 and 2009 years were considered to estimate IRF, TSS, ORG_P, SOL_P and TP losses as a reference to assess the effects of the considered BMPs. The results indicate that the best individual BMP (adjusted irrigation water use) reduced IRF by 31.4%, TSS loads by 33.5% and TP loads by 12.8%. When individual BMPs were combined, the load reductions were even increased. The BMP scenario combining optimum irrigation application, conservation tillage and reduced P fertilizer dose was the best, leading to a TP load reduction of about 22.6%. For corn and alfalfa, the best BMP scenario was the combination between conservation tillage and reduced P fertilizer dose, increasing the crop gross margin by 309 € ha−1 and 188 € ha−1, respectively. For sunflower and barley, the best scenario combined the adjusted irrigation water use, conservation tillage and reduced P fertilizer dose (gross margin increase of 171 € ha−1 and 307 € ha−1, respectively).
F. Dechmi; A. Skhiri. Evaluation of best management practices under intensive irrigation using SWAT model. Agricultural Water Management 2013, 123, 55 -64.
AMA StyleF. Dechmi, A. Skhiri. Evaluation of best management practices under intensive irrigation using SWAT model. Agricultural Water Management. 2013; 123 ():55-64.
Chicago/Turabian StyleF. Dechmi; A. Skhiri. 2013. "Evaluation of best management practices under intensive irrigation using SWAT model." Agricultural Water Management 123, no. : 55-64.
39 Pags., 6 Tabls., 4 Figs. The definitive version is available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1475-2743In irrigated semi-arid areas, nutrient pollution from agriculture from irrigation return flows is one of the most important surface water quality problems and can lead to eutrophication. In this study, a new phosphorus index called IPreg has been adapted as a management tool for application to irrigated farming systems and then applied within ‘Las Filadas’ drainage basin (Spain) at a plot scale. Two new transport factors related to the irrigation management system were introduced: (i) the seasonal irrigation performance index and (ii) the efficiency of the mean irrigation dose that represents average water losses below the root zone when an average irrigation dose is applied. IPreg includes 10 factors, three of which account for P availability in the soil and seven for P transport processes. The results indicate that 18% of the study area had a high to very high risk of phosphorus loss and 60% at medium risk. Corn and alfalfa had the highest IPreg values under intense irrigation and high fertilizer application rates. IPreg was also higher in phosphorus-rich soils and in plots treated with organic manure, especially pig slurry.This work has been financed by ‘Obra Social La Caixa’ and ‘Comunidad General de Riegos del Alto Aragón’. We thank the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Zaragoza (IAMZ-CIHEAM) for awarding a Fellowship to Talel Stambouli.Peer reviewe
F. Dechmi; Daniel Isidoro; T. Stambouli. A phosphorus index for use in intensive irrigated areas. Soil Use and Management 2013, 29, 64 -75.
AMA StyleF. Dechmi, Daniel Isidoro, T. Stambouli. A phosphorus index for use in intensive irrigated areas. Soil Use and Management. 2013; 29 ():64-75.
Chicago/Turabian StyleF. Dechmi; Daniel Isidoro; T. Stambouli. 2013. "A phosphorus index for use in intensive irrigated areas." Soil Use and Management 29, no. : 64-75.
45 Pags., 8 Figs., 3 Tabls. The definitive version is available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/00221694The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) is a well established, distributed, eco-hydrologic model. However, using the study case of an agricultural intensive irrigated watershed, it was shown that all the model versions are not able to appropriately reproduce the total streamflow in such system when the irrigation source is outside the watershed. The objective of this study was to modify the SWAT2005 version for correctly simulating the main hydrological processes. Crop yield, total streamflow, total suspended sediment (TSS) losses and phosphorus load calibration and validation were performed using field survey information and water quantity and quality data recorded during 2008 and 2009 years in Del Reguero irrigated watershed in Spain. The goodness of the calibration and validation results was assessed using five statistical measures, including the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE). Results indicated that the average annual crop yield and actual evapotranspiration estimations were quite satisfactory. On a monthly basis, the values of NSE were 0.90 (calibration) and 0.80 (validation) indicating that the modified model could reproduce accurately the observed streamflow. The TSS losses were also satisfactorily estimated (NSE = 0.72 and 0.52 for the calibration and validation steps). The monthly temporal patterns and all the statistical parameters indicated that the modified SWAT-IRRIG model adequately predicted the total phosphorus (TP) loading. Therefore, the model could be used to assess the impacts of different best management practices on nonpoint phosphorus losses in irrigated systems.This work has been financed by La Caixa bank, the General Community of Alto Aragon Irrigation Districts and the Scientific and Technologic Aula Dei Park Foundation with the valuable collaboration of the laboratory staff of CITA-DGA. We thank the Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA) for awarding Ahmed Skhiri a predoctoral fellowship.Peer reviewe
Farida Dechmi; Javier Burguete; Ahmed Skhiri. SWAT application in intensive irrigation systems: Model modification, calibration and validation. Journal of Hydrology 2012, 470-471, 227 -238.
AMA StyleFarida Dechmi, Javier Burguete, Ahmed Skhiri. SWAT application in intensive irrigation systems: Model modification, calibration and validation. Journal of Hydrology. 2012; 470-471 ():227-238.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFarida Dechmi; Javier Burguete; Ahmed Skhiri. 2012. "SWAT application in intensive irrigation systems: Model modification, calibration and validation." Journal of Hydrology 470-471, no. : 227-238.
Phosphorus (P) use in excess of crop needs may impact surface water quality and contribute to eutrophication. However, P loss from agricultural land to water has never been estimated at the Canadian national scale. In this paper, the risk of P desorption from Canadian agricultural land is assessed by the source component of the indicator of risk of water contamination by P (IROWC-P). The IROWC-P source component (P_source) characterized the mobilization potential of soluble P and integrated four models of P desorption by water for dominant agricultural soil series of Canada on the soil landscape of Canada polygon scale (1:1,000,000). The objective of our study was to describe and evaluate a standardized method for deriving the P_source component. The P_source was assessed over 5-yr intervals from 1981 to 2006 for scientifically based knowledge by relating annual P balance values, soil test P (STP) analyses, soil P saturation index, and Self-Davis water extractable P extraction values. Results show trends of soil P enrichment for most Canadian provinces over the 25-yr period but also an increased percentage of farmland classified above the water extractable soil P environmental threshold of 4 mg P kg−1. The Canadian Prairies and Ontario showed small P_source values and almost no farmland above the environmental threshold. Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces had P_source values that exceeded the environmental threshold in 2006; more than 33% of farmland is classified above the environmental threshold value. Copyright © 2012. . Copyright © by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, Inc.
Eric Van Bochove; Georges Thériault; Jean-Thomas Denault; Farida Dechmi; Suzanne E. Allaire; Alain N. Rousseau. Risk of Phosphorus Desorption from Canadian Agricultural Land: 25-Year Temporal Trend. Journal of Environmental Quality 2012, 41, 1402 -1412.
AMA StyleEric Van Bochove, Georges Thériault, Jean-Thomas Denault, Farida Dechmi, Suzanne E. Allaire, Alain N. Rousseau. Risk of Phosphorus Desorption from Canadian Agricultural Land: 25-Year Temporal Trend. Journal of Environmental Quality. 2012; 41 (5):1402-1412.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEric Van Bochove; Georges Thériault; Jean-Thomas Denault; Farida Dechmi; Suzanne E. Allaire; Alain N. Rousseau. 2012. "Risk of Phosphorus Desorption from Canadian Agricultural Land: 25-Year Temporal Trend." Journal of Environmental Quality 41, no. 5: 1402-1412.
42 Pags., 7 Figs., 7 Tabls. The definitive version is available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/03783774In an earlier study, irrigation water use in the Del Reguero watershed (DRW) was assessed using various water management indices. In this study, the phosphorus (P) transport dynamics in the irrigation return flows were analyzed. Phosphorus fertilization practices were determined through interviewing farmers, and P loads were monitored from October 2007 to September 2009. In surface drainage waters, the average annual total phosphorus concentration (TP) was 0.112 mg L−1. Total dissolved P (TDP) represented the dominant P form (93% of the TP concentrations) indicating that subsurface flow was the dominant pathway for P transfer. Drainage water was classified as hypertrophic during 2008 and eutrophic during 2009. Fertilizer contributed the most to the final result of P mass balance by contributing 98% of the total P inputs. P crop needs were exceeded by 16% leading to an excess of 43.8 kg P ha−1 year−1. The exported mass of P was 240 kg in 2008 and 228 kg in 2009, and the TP loss was 205 g P ha−1 for 2008 and 195 g P ha−1 for 2009. The amount of TP load in the Del Reguero stream was considered small with regard to total phosphorus input (0.23%). However, the amount of TP load in the Del Reguero stream was considered significant in regard to surface water eutrophication. Because the majority of the TP load existed in the dissolved form (TDP = 93% of TP), a large portion of the P losses from the system was available for algae growth, thereby, enhancing eutrophication.This work has been financed by the bank of La Caixa, the General Community of Alto Aragon Irrigation Districts and Scientific and Technologic Park Aula Dei Foundation with the valuable collaboration of the laboratory staff of CITA-DGA. We thank the Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA) for awarding to Ahmed Skhiri a predoctoral fellowship.Peer reviewe
Ahmed Skhiri; Farida Dechmi. Impact of sprinkler irrigation management on the Del Reguero river (Spain) II: Phosphorus mass balance. Agricultural Water Management 2012, 103, 130 -139.
AMA StyleAhmed Skhiri, Farida Dechmi. Impact of sprinkler irrigation management on the Del Reguero river (Spain) II: Phosphorus mass balance. Agricultural Water Management. 2012; 103 ():130-139.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAhmed Skhiri; Farida Dechmi. 2012. "Impact of sprinkler irrigation management on the Del Reguero river (Spain) II: Phosphorus mass balance." Agricultural Water Management 103, no. : 130-139.
45 Pags., 6 Figs., 5 Tabls. The definitive version is available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/03783774Irrigated agriculture notably increases crop productivity, but the generated irrigation return flows may induce surface water pollution by nutrients if irrigation water and fertilization management are inadequate. In this study, the DelReguero watershed (Huesca, Spain) was characterized, and irrigation performance was assessed to identify sprinklerirrigation water managementimpact on surface and subsurface water losses during the 2008 and 2009 hydrological years. Farmers were interviewed, and soil and water use surveys were performed. The main water inputs and outputs of the system were measured (irrigation, precipitation, filter cleaning, and outflow surface drainage) or estimated (municipal waste waters, actual evapotranspiration, wind drift losses, and evaporation losses) and the evaluation of the irrigation performance was performed using various water management indexes. Thirty-two percent of the area contained platform soils or cambisols characterized by a small depth, high stoniness, and limited value of total available water. The main cultivated crops were corn, barley, alfalfa, and sunflower, occupying more than 83% of the irrigated area. The annual average water inputs were 3.1% higher than water outputs. However, the error balance is considered acceptable and its resulted inputs and outputs parameters values can be used to calculate nutrients mass balance. The annual average irrigation efficiency was low (72%), due to the fact that alfalfa and corn were inadequately irrigated. The average annual consumptive water use efficiency was high (91%), indicating that a high percentage of available water was destined for crop evapotranspiration. However, irrigationmanagement was inadequate because there was an annual average water deficit of 9%, indicating that not all the water requirements of crops were met. This high deficit was justified by the reduced irrigation allocation received by sunflower and barley. These two crops were under-irrigated by 90 and 168 mm below their respective net irrigation requirements. At a watershed scale, the average annual seasonal irrigation performance index (SIPI) was 87%, which could indicate that all crops were water satisfied. However, the calculation of SIPI at field scale, revealed that alfalfa and corn were water satisfied (SIPI = 81% and 78%, respectively) and that barley and sunflower were water stressed (SIPI = 132% and 200%, respectively).This work has been financed by the bank of La Caixa, the General Community of Alto Aragon Irrigation Districts and Scientific and Technologic Park Aula Dei Foundation with the valuable collaboration of the laboratory staff of CITA-DGA. We thank the Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA) for awarding to Ahmed Skhiri a predoctoral fellowship.Peer reviewe
Ahmed Skhiri; Farida Dechmi. Impact of sprinkler irrigation management on the Del Reguero river (Spain). I: Water balance and irrigation performance. Agricultural Water Management 2012, 103, 120 -129.
AMA StyleAhmed Skhiri, Farida Dechmi. Impact of sprinkler irrigation management on the Del Reguero river (Spain). I: Water balance and irrigation performance. Agricultural Water Management. 2012; 103 ():120-129.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAhmed Skhiri; Farida Dechmi. 2012. "Impact of sprinkler irrigation management on the Del Reguero river (Spain). I: Water balance and irrigation performance." Agricultural Water Management 103, no. : 120-129.
Ahmed Skhiri; Farida Dechmi. Evaluation Of BMPs Scenarios For Minimizing Phosphorus And Sediments Transport In Sprinkler Irrigation System. 21st Century Watershed Technology: Improving Water Quality and Environment Conference Proceedings, May 27-June 1, 2012, Bari, Italy 2012, 1 .
AMA StyleAhmed Skhiri, Farida Dechmi. Evaluation Of BMPs Scenarios For Minimizing Phosphorus And Sediments Transport In Sprinkler Irrigation System. 21st Century Watershed Technology: Improving Water Quality and Environment Conference Proceedings, May 27-June 1, 2012, Bari, Italy. 2012; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAhmed Skhiri; Farida Dechmi. 2012. "Evaluation Of BMPs Scenarios For Minimizing Phosphorus And Sediments Transport In Sprinkler Irrigation System." 21st Century Watershed Technology: Improving Water Quality and Environment Conference Proceedings, May 27-June 1, 2012, Bari, Italy , no. : 1.
Currently, there is an increased interest in the study of phosphorus (P) loss from soils aimed to understand and mitigate water eutrophication problems. The main objective of this study is to describe P losses in five irrigated agricultural watersheds considered as representative in terms of agricultural water management. Weekly water samples were collected during the 2007 hydrologic year (HY) at the watershed outlets and three P forms (total P, TP; total dissolved P, TDP; and particulate P, PP) were analyzed during irrigation (IS) and non-irrigation season (NIS). The P load per hectare was used to compare the study areas with other non-irrigated agricultural watersheds in Spain and Europe. Results indicate that most of the study areas showed increases in TP at higher flows. Annual TP concentrations were higher than the critical eutrophication threshold (0.02 mg L–1), with TDP being the dominant fraction. The TP was higher during the IS than during the NIS, except for the Arba River where seasonal TP concentration showed the highest values (0.237 and 0.275 mg L–1, respectively). Results also show that average TP yield (0.73 kg P ha–1 year–1) was higher than others reported on non-irrigated agricultural lands in Spain and Europe. This work is of great relevance and indispensable for guiding future research on P transfer aimed at establishing corrective measures to sustain irrigated agricultural productivity and surface water quality.
A. Skhiri; Farida Dechmi. Irrigation return flows and phosphorus transport in the Middle Ebro River Valley (Spain). Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research 2011, 9, 938 .
AMA StyleA. Skhiri, Farida Dechmi. Irrigation return flows and phosphorus transport in the Middle Ebro River Valley (Spain). Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research. 2011; 9 (3):938.
Chicago/Turabian StyleA. Skhiri; Farida Dechmi. 2011. "Irrigation return flows and phosphorus transport in the Middle Ebro River Valley (Spain)." Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research 9, no. 3: 938.
Eric Van Bochove; Jean-Thomas Denault; Marie-Line Leclerc; Georges Thériault; Farida Dechmi; Suzanne Allaire; Alain Rousseau; Craig Drury. Temporal trends of risk of water contamination by phosphorus from agricultural land in the Great Lakes Watersheds of Canada. Canadian Journal of Soil Science 2011, 91, 443 -453.
AMA StyleEric Van Bochove, Jean-Thomas Denault, Marie-Line Leclerc, Georges Thériault, Farida Dechmi, Suzanne Allaire, Alain Rousseau, Craig Drury. Temporal trends of risk of water contamination by phosphorus from agricultural land in the Great Lakes Watersheds of Canada. Canadian Journal of Soil Science. 2011; 91 (3):443-453.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEric Van Bochove; Jean-Thomas Denault; Marie-Line Leclerc; Georges Thériault; Farida Dechmi; Suzanne Allaire; Alain Rousseau; Craig Drury. 2011. "Temporal trends of risk of water contamination by phosphorus from agricultural land in the Great Lakes Watersheds of Canada." Canadian Journal of Soil Science 91, no. 3: 443-453.
Indicators of risk of water contamination by agricultural pollutants are developed in Canada to assess sustainability of agriculture. Crack flow (CF), a key pathway for sub-surface contaminant transport, is part of the transport-hydrology algorithm used in two of these risk indicators. The objective was to develop a methodology for predicting the likelihood of CF in Canadian agricultural soils at the landscape scale. The algorithm considers soil clay content, crack development followed by a runoff event based on water budget, tile drainage, and crops. More than 40% of Canadian farmlands had moderate to very high likelihood of CF, mainly in Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, due to frequent runoffs on cracked clay soils potentially contributing to groundwater contamination. In Ontario and Quebec, farmlands with high CF likelihood correspond to regions under intensive tile drainage, which increases the risk of lateral translocation of contaminants to surface water bodies. Besides being a component of risk indicators of water contamination by phosphorus and coliforms, the CF algorithm and maps can be used to identify areas at risk of subsurface water contamination. Best management practices, adapted to reduce CF can then be targeted to these areas.Key words: Agrichemicals, contaminant transport, macropore flow, preferential flow, risk assessment, risk indicators
H. Dadfar; S E Allaire; R. De Jong; E. Van Bochove; J -T Denault; G. Thériault; Farida Dechmi. Development of a method for estimating the likelihood of crack flow in Canadian agricultural soils at the landscape scale. Canadian Journal of Soil Science 2010, 90, 129 -149.
AMA StyleH. Dadfar, S E Allaire, R. De Jong, E. Van Bochove, J -T Denault, G. Thériault, Farida Dechmi. Development of a method for estimating the likelihood of crack flow in Canadian agricultural soils at the landscape scale. Canadian Journal of Soil Science. 2010; 90 (1):129-149.
Chicago/Turabian StyleH. Dadfar; S E Allaire; R. De Jong; E. Van Bochove; J -T Denault; G. Thériault; Farida Dechmi. 2010. "Development of a method for estimating the likelihood of crack flow in Canadian agricultural soils at the landscape scale." Canadian Journal of Soil Science 90, no. 1: 129-149.
An indicator of risk of water contamination by phosphorus (IROWC-P) was developed to estimate the risk of phosphorus (P) contamination in water by agriculture, and to evaluate how this risk changes over time based on the census data obtained every 5 yr. For the province of Quebec, IROWC-P is calculated with census data from 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996 and 2001. In 2001, 85% of the Soil Landscapes of Canada (SLC) agricultural polygons of Quebec were in the low and moderate risk classes and the remaining 15% in the high risk class. Although agricultural production statistics show marked changes from 1981 to 2001 in livestock herd composition, area under cultivation, agricultural land use and use of inorganic phosphorus fertilizer and animal manure, no trend was observed in the estimated risk over the same period. Increased risk of P transport from agricultural fields to water is expected when agricultural soils are rich in P or have excess P relative to crop needs and have a high potential for soil erosion and surface runoff. Key words: Risk indicator, water contamination, phosphorus, soil landscapes of Canada, agriculture
Eric Van Bochove; Georges Van Thériault; Farida Dechmi; Marie-Line Leclerc; Nadia Goussard. Indicator of risk of water contamination by phosphorus: Temporal trends for the Province of Quebec from 1981 to 2001. Canadian Journal of Soil Science 2007, 87, 121 -128.
AMA StyleEric Van Bochove, Georges Van Thériault, Farida Dechmi, Marie-Line Leclerc, Nadia Goussard. Indicator of risk of water contamination by phosphorus: Temporal trends for the Province of Quebec from 1981 to 2001. Canadian Journal of Soil Science. 2007; 87 (Special):121-128.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEric Van Bochove; Georges Van Thériault; Farida Dechmi; Marie-Line Leclerc; Nadia Goussard. 2007. "Indicator of risk of water contamination by phosphorus: Temporal trends for the Province of Quebec from 1981 to 2001." Canadian Journal of Soil Science 87, no. Special: 121-128.
The indicator of risk of water contamination by phosphorus (IROWC_P) is designed to estimate where the risk of water P contamination by agriculture is high, and how this risk is changing over time based on the five-year period of data Census frequency. Firstly developed for the province of Quebec (2000), this paper presents an improved version of IROWC_P (intended to be released in 2008), which will be extended to all watersheds and Soil Landscape of Canada (SLC) polygons (scale 1:1, 000, 000) with more than 5% of agriculture. There are three objectives: (i) create a soil phosphorus saturation database for dominant and subdominant soil series of SLC polygons – the soil P saturation values are estimated by the ratio of soil test P to soil P sorption capacity; (ii) calculate an annual P balance considering crop residue P, manure P, and inorganic fertilizer P – agricultural and manure management practices will also be considered; and (iii) develop a transport-hydrology component including P transport estimation by runoff mechanisms (water balance factor, topographic index) and soil erosion, and the area connectivity to water (artificial drainage, soil macropores, and surface water bodies).
E. Van Bochove; G. Thériault; Farida Dechmi; A.N. Rousseau; R. Quilbé; M.-L. Leclerc; N. Goussard. Indicator of risk of water contamination by phosphorus from Canadian agricultural land. Water Science and Technology 2006, 53, 303 -310.
AMA StyleE. Van Bochove, G. Thériault, Farida Dechmi, A.N. Rousseau, R. Quilbé, M.-L. Leclerc, N. Goussard. Indicator of risk of water contamination by phosphorus from Canadian agricultural land. Water Science and Technology. 2006; 53 (2):303-310.
Chicago/Turabian StyleE. Van Bochove; G. Thériault; Farida Dechmi; A.N. Rousseau; R. Quilbé; M.-L. Leclerc; N. Goussard. 2006. "Indicator of risk of water contamination by phosphorus from Canadian agricultural land." Water Science and Technology 53, no. 2: 303-310.
40 pag., 4 Tabl., 7 Fig.\ud \ud The definitive version is available at:\ud http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/03783774The surface Irrigated District V of the Bardenas Canal (Zaragoza, Spain) was evaluated, and alternatives were assessed to improve on-farm irrigation performance. Field work consisted of a soil survey and a campaign of irrigation evaluation. The results of the irrigation evaluations were extrapolated to the whole district using a hydrodynamic surface irrigation model. An average irrigation discharge of 152 L s−1 results in a relatively low irrigation time (2.8 h ha−1). Shallow soils, a limited conveyance network, and poor irrigation management practices determine that the application efficiency in the district is low, with an average of 49%. The district wide irrigation efficiency only reaches reasonable values when the system operates under water scarcity (49% in 2000 versus 66% in 2001). The simulation of surface irrigation indicated that the optimum irrigation time in the current situation is 1.7 h ha−1. The optimization of the irrigation time would lead to an average application efficiency of 76%. Improved irrigation management can therefore result in substantial water conservation in the district.This research was funded by the Plan Nacional de I+D of the Government of Spain, by the FEDER funds of the European Union through grant 2FD97-0547-C02, and by the CONSI+D of the Autonomous Government of Aragón (awarding a research scholarship to S. Lecina).Peer reviewe
S. Lecina; Enrique Playán; Daniel Isidoro; Farida Dechmi; J. Causapé; J.M. Faci. Irrigation evaluation and simulation at the Irrigation District V of Bardenas (Spain). Agricultural Water Management 2005, 73, 223 -245.
AMA StyleS. Lecina, Enrique Playán, Daniel Isidoro, Farida Dechmi, J. Causapé, J.M. Faci. Irrigation evaluation and simulation at the Irrigation District V of Bardenas (Spain). Agricultural Water Management. 2005; 73 (3):223-245.
Chicago/Turabian StyleS. Lecina; Enrique Playán; Daniel Isidoro; Farida Dechmi; J. Causapé; J.M. Faci. 2005. "Irrigation evaluation and simulation at the Irrigation District V of Bardenas (Spain)." Agricultural Water Management 73, no. 3: 223-245.