Work

Evaluation of the Synergistic Control Efficiency of Multi-Dimensional Best Management Practices Based on the HYPE Model for Nitrogen and Phosphorus Pollution in Rural Small Watersheds

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Non-point source pollution (NPS) from agriculture is a primary driver of water eutrophication, necessitating effective control for regional water ecological security and sustainable agricultural development. This study focuses on the Chenzhuang village watershed, a typical green agricultural demonstration area in Jiangsu Province, using the HYPE model to analyze hydrological processes and Total Nitrogen (TN) and Total Phosphorus (TP) migration patterns. The model achieved robust performance, with Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) values exceeding 0.7 for daily runoff and 0.35 for monthly TN and TP simulations, ensuring reliable predictions. A multi-scenario simulation framework evaluated the synergistic control effectiveness of Best Management Practices (BMPs), including agricultural production management, nutrient management, and landscape configuration, on TN and TP pollution. The results showed that crop rotation reduced annual average TN and TP concentrations by 11.8% and 13.6%, respectively, by shortening the fallow period. Substituting 50% of chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers decreased TN by 50.5% (from 1.92 mg/L to 0.95 mg/L) and TP by 68.2% (from 0.22 mg/L to 0.07 mg/L). Converting 3% of farmland to forest enhanced pollutant interception, reducing TN by 4.14% and TP by 2.78%. The integrated BMP scenario (S13), combining these measures, achieved TN and TP concentrations of 0.63 mg/L and 0.046 mg/L, respectively, meeting Class II surface water standards since 2020. Economic analysis revealed an annual net income increase of approximately 15,000 CNY for a 50-acre plot. This was achieved through cost savings, increased crop value, and policy compensation. These findings validate a “source reduction–process interception” approach, providing a scalable management solution for NPS control in small rural watersheds while balancing environmental and economic benefits.

Source: Agriculture

DOI: 10.3390/agriculture15192030

Authors: Yi Wang, Yule Liu, Huawu Wu, Junwei Ding, Qian Xiao, Wen Chen

Institutions: North China Electric Power University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology

Language: English

Topic: Soil and Water Nutrient Dynamics

Subfield: Environmental Chemistry

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Life on land, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137