Modeling nutrient attenuation by riparian buffer zones along headwater streams

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Bradley J.F. Bereitschaft (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Paul P Mou

Abstract: "In this study I propose a statistical model, the Riparian Nutrient Attenuation Model (RNAM), designed to quickly and accurately access the nutrient attenuation capability of riparian buffer zones. This information may help land managers evaluate riparian systems in terms of their capacity to retain nutrients. Developed using data available in the literature, RNAM uses three physical properties of the riparian, including vegetation type, slope, and width, to estimate the retention of total N, NO3- and P. Three RNAM sub-models, RNAM-nitrogen, RNAM-nitrate and RNAM-phosphorus, were developed to handle each of the three nutrients. In developing RNAM, the relationships between the predictor variables and nutrient retention were examined. A preliminary test of RNAM indicated that each of the sub-models is capable of producing reasonably accurate estimations of percent nutrient reduction. RNAM-nitrogen, however, produced inconsistent estimates of nitrogen reduction at higher levels. More data is needed to calibrate and validate RNAM."--Abstract from author supplied metadata

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2007
Keywords
Riparian Nutrient Attenuation Model (RNAM), nutrient attenuation, riparian buffer zones
Subjects
Riparian restoration
Riparian areas-- Management

Email this document to