Khozama AL-Saleh * ⁽¹⁾   Ahmad AL-Jurdi⁽¹⁾

(1). Department of Soil and Lands Reclamation, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Homs University. Homs Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Khozama AL-Saleh. Email Syrianlavender1985@gmail.com.)

                        Received: 19/1/2025            Accepted: 19/3/2025

Abstract: 

The study aimed to assess the relationship between changes in land use/land cover (LULC) and total Nitrogen and phosphorus loss in AL-Abrash River basin in west Syria. SWAT model was used in modeling the simulation relationship between LULC changes on total nitrogen and phosphorus loads. Results of SWAT simulation showed the yearly losses of total nitrogen and phosphorus reached 19.72 kg and 1.45 Kg/Km², respectively. the highest loads of total nitrogen were in the upper parts of the basin. In general, the spatial distribution of the loads of phosphorus was closely similar to loads of total nitrogen. Sub-basins (5.15.23.25) were the highest loads. Results showed positive correlations (P< 0.05) following the direction of LULC changes between 2018-2021.The increase in built-up and agricultural lands were 0.46, and 3.61% of study area, respectively. High loss of Total nitrogen and phosphorus are concentrated in the built-up, agricultural lands, respectively. These results contribute in better understanding of water management, reduce the pollution in the basin and develop the strategies of lands management and improve the water quality in the region.

Keywords: Land use/Land Cover, AL-Abrash Basin, Total Nitrogen and Phosphorus Losses, Swat Model.

Full paper in Arabic: PDF