Verification of Nutrient Transport Modelling of a Bison Feedlot

Runoff from an unpaved bison feedlot was measured for 2 yr. The objective were to determine a runoff curve number, develop a relationship between rainfall and runoff, and evaluate the equations in the Erosion–Productivity Impact Calculator (EPIC) and Agricultural Non-point Source (AGNPS) models for the prediction of runoff nutrient contents from a bison feedlot. A runoff curve number of 93 was determined using rainfall/runoff data. A simple regression equation was developed to estimate runoff as a linear function of rainfall. Organic-N and P were predicted with high correlation coefficients of 0·89 and 0·81, respectively. Results showed that use of EPIC and AGNPS model equations is a promising method for runoff quality/quantity estimation.