Determination of denitrification capacity of small headwater catchments in Flanders

This study investigated factors determining the denitrification capacity of small headwater catchments in Flanders. Results suggest that soil texture and redox potential of the aquifer are the main explanatory variables. A predictive model allowed for a regional differentiation of the denitrification capacity in Flanders. The resulting predictive map of the process factor could be used as a tool to evaluate the vulnerability of surface waters to nitrate pollution.