A modified version of the model SWATRE was used to simulate the water
balance of the ''Intensive Loam Site'' within the years 1989, 1990 and
1991. The data set from a north German catchment was used to set up t
he model and to compare the simulation results with field measurements
. Additionally some input parameters necessary for the model had to be
estimated. The goodness of the model results was quantitatively analy
sed by using the relative geometrical mean error and the standard devi
ation of the mean percentile error. The model was calibrated for the y
ear 1989. The years 1990 and 1991 were taken for model validation. The
data set proved not to be sufficient for a validation in a strict sen
se. The calibrated model showed a reasonable good coincidence with the
observed data, although some distinctive differences could not be equ
alised. In these cases preferential flow or lateral fluxes are assumed
to be responsible. However, both factors cannot be handled by the mod
el. Considering the statistical distribution of the input parameter al
pha and n the minimum range of the calculated data is shown.