Validation of the InVEST nutrient retention model across Europe with attribution of model errors

Intensive fertilisation of farmland leads to substantial nutrient escape into the environment, polluting land, water, and the atmosphere. We used the InVEST NDR model to investigate nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) run-off and retention across the European continent at 25 × 25 m resolution, and validated outputs against empirical measurements at 2251 river locations. Mean nutrient retention across Europe was estimated as 93 % for N and 92 % for P, through accumulation by standing vegetation and the soil. Modelled nutrient export to streams matched well to empirical measurements. Model-based uncertainties were related to seasonality, the balance between surface and sub-surface flows, and extremes in slope and rainfall. Uncertainties related to empirical data suggested enhancements to monitoring programmes that would improve nutrient export and erosion modelling, which included higher resolution fertiliser and manure data, differentiation of grassland types, including stocking density categories, and in-river nutrient measurements at low flow.