Development of a spatially distributed model for estimating nitrogen removal in forested riparian buffers
| Author(s) | Santangelo, Thomas | |
| Date Accessioned | 2016-11-18T15:03:04Z | |
| Date Available | 2016-11-18T15:03:04Z | |
| Publication Date | 2016 | |
| Abstract | Riparian buffers are a widely promoted best management practice for improving stream health and habitat benefits, including reducing instream nitrogen (N) loading. There is a large spatial variability in N removal within riparian buffers, which can largely be explained by buffer width and variations in subsurface water flux. Variable-width buffers are recommended, but there are no simple models to guide restoration efforts, and fixed-width buffers are the norm, also because they are easier to implement and regulate. The goal of our research is to improve riparian buffer restoration for reducing N loading. We developed a simple spatially explicit GIS model that estimates the N removal within riparian buffers and that can prioritize locations for variable-width buffers. The innovative part of our model is the spatially explicit prioritization scheme accounting for removal in both upslope and downslope areas. We tested the model on a watershed in the Mid-Atlantic Piedmont and we applied the model to compare fixed-width and variable-width buffers. Our results show that variable-width buffers require less area to reach N load reduction goals, compared to the fixed-width buffers. Our model will aid watershed managers to make well-informed decisions for prioritizing buffer placement and to maximize N removal and improve water quality. | en_US |
| Advisor | Claessens, Luc | |
| Degree | M.S. | |
| Program | University of Delaware, Graduate Program in Water Science and Policy | |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.58088/k55c-5m42 | |
| Unique Identifier | 963202894 | |
| URL | http://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/19850 | |
| Publisher | University of Delaware | en_US |
| URI | http://search.proquest.com/docview/1818547487?accountid=10457 | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Water -- Purification -- Nitrogen removal -- Red Clay Creek (Pa. and Del.) | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Riparian areas -- Pennsylvania -- Chester County. | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Watersheds -- Pennsylvania -- Chester County. | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Buffer zones (Ecosystem management) | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Forests and forestry -- Red Clay Creek (Pa. and Del.) | |
| Title | Development of a spatially distributed model for estimating nitrogen removal in forested riparian buffers | en_US |
| Type | Thesis | en_US |