Distributed topographic indicators for predicting nitrogen export from headwater catchments

摘要: [1] The possibility of using topographic indicators to predict spatial variation in dissolved nitrogen (N) export from headwater catchments was explored within a sugar maple forest the Algoma Highlands central Ontario, Canada, where average annual total N ranged 3.58 6.96 kg ha−1 a−1. Topographic representing both “nondistributed” and “distributed” properties were derived. Distributed that designed represent hydrologic flushing mechanism for superior predicting nitrate-N export, explaining up 85% 90% slope discharge versus peak which occurred during spring melt. However, distributed comparable nondistributed ones organic 68% variance compared 65%. This study shows relatively small region can be substantial, but used majority this thereby provide basis extrapolating few intensively monitored many other Highlands.