Simulating long-term effect of Hyrcanian forest loss on phosphorus loading at the sub-watershed level

Abstract

Conversion of forest land to farmland in the Hyrcanian forest of northern Iran increases the nutrient input, especially the phosphorus (P) nutrient, thus impacting the water quality. Modeling the effect of forest loss on surface water quality provides valuable information for forest management. This study predicts the future impacts of forest loss between 2010 and 2040 on P loading in the Tajan River watershed at the sub-watershed level. To understand drivers of the land cover, we used Land Change Modeler (LCM) combining with the Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to simulate the impacts of land use change on P loading. We characterized priority management areas for locating comprehensive and cost-effective management practices at the sub-watershed level. Results show that agricultural expansion has led to an intense deforestation. During the future period 2010-2040, forest area is expected to decrease by 34,739 hm 2. And the areas of pasture and agriculture are expected to increase by 7668 and 27,071 hm 2 , respectively. In most sub-watersheds, P pollution will be intensified with the increase in deforestation by the year 2040. And the P concentration is expected to increase from 0.08 to 2.30 mg/L in all of sub-watersheds by the year 2040. It should be noted that the phosphorous concentration exceeds the American Public Health Association′s water quality standard of 0.2 mg/L for P in drinking water in both current and future scenarios in the Tajan River watershed. Only 30% of sub-watersheds will comply with the water quality standards by the year 2040. The finding of the present study highlights the importance of conserving forest area to maintain a stable water quality.

Application of Integrated Watershed Management Measures to Minimize the Land Use Change Impacts

“…An emerging example of such valuable forest species is Hyrcanian that has a long history (arised in the Jurassic Period) and is among the world's most valuable natural resources; the rapid decline in its area has been a major concern in the recent years. Rajaei et al [4] studied the LULC dynamics in the northern parts of Iran and revealed that, in the past four decades, the forest area decreased by 3.0%, while dry farming increased by 9.2%. Emadodin [5] reported that the LULC change in Iran has increased over the past 50 years and is expected to accelerate in the future.…”