NitroScape: A model to integrate nitrogen transfers and transformations in rural landscapes

Modelling nitrogen transfer and transformation at the landscape scale is relevant to estimate the mobility of the reactive forms of nitrogen (Nr) and the associated threats to the environment. Here we describe the development of a spatially and temporally explicit model to integrate Nr transfer and transformation at the landscape scale. The model couples four existing models, to simulate atmospheric, farm, agro-ecosystem and hydrological Nr fluxes and transformations within a landscape. Simulations were carried out on a theoretical landscape consisting of pig-crop farms interspersed with unmanaged ecosystems. Simulation results illustrated the effect of spatial interactions between landscape elements on Nr fluxes and losses to the environment. More than 10% of the total N2O emissions were due to indirect emissions. The nitrogen budgets and transformations of the unmanaged ecosystems varied considerably, depending on their location within the landscape. The model represents a new tool for assessing the effect of changes in landscape structure on Nr fluxes. - Highlights: → The landscape scale is relevant to study how spatial interactions affect Nr fate. → The NitroScape model integrates Nr transfer and transformation at landscape scale. → NitroScape couples existing atmospheric, farm, agro-ecosystem and hydrological models. → Data exchanges within NitroScape are dynamic and spatially distributed. → More than 10% of the simulated N2O emissions are due to indirect emissions. - A model integrating terrestrial, hydrological and atmospheric processes of Nr transfer and transformation at the landscape scale has been developed to simulate the effect of spatial interactions between landscape elements on Nr fate.