simulation of nitrate transportation using drainmod-n model

the use of fertilizers in agriculture is a potential source of environmental pollution especially in ‎water quality and soil resources. the study of effective factors on water and nutrient transport ‎through soil profile is helpful for nutrient management to minimize adverse impacts on environment ‎and nitrate leaching below root zone. in this study, for assessing the nitrate transportation below the ‎root zone, measurements were done by spectrophotometer method. a field site was conducted under ‎corn production in a cultivation period of 2003. the drainmod-n model was used to simulate ‎nitrate transportation. this model is calibrated by adjusting nitrification, denitrification rate ‎constants to reach the best fit between measured and predicted data. results indicate that predicted ‎nitrate concentration by model was close to measured nitrate concentration. the correlation ‎between measured and predicted data was significant in one percent level. results and scenarios ‎indicate that the model can be used as a tool to manage environmental pollution in irrigated areas. ‎