| 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. |
