Evaluation of the EUROSEM model using data from the Catsop watershed, The Netherlands

The performance of the EUROSEM model is evaluated for a catchment in the Ne therlands. The model is calibrated using observed hydrographs and sedigraph s by interactively changing the input parameters net capillary drive, initi al soil moisture content, saturated hydraulic conductivity, cohesion, Manni ng's n and the detachability of soil particles. Storms with characteristics similar to the calibration storms were simulated well, whereas the model d id not perform too well for storms being significantly different. Simulatio n of soil loss was generally too high though the poor quality of observed s oil loss made it difficult to assess the true performance of the model. Thr ough a plus and minus 10% sensitivity analysis, it was revealed that the mo del was most sensitive to changes in the initial volumetric moisture conten t of the soil and Manning's n and at the same time, the sensitivity analysi s proved to be both condition- and site specific in nature. Because of the difficulties of parameterising the model, it is recommended that in future applications of the model, minimum and maximum output values should be incl uded as the output. Improved within storm modelling is needed, particularly to model conditions where crusting is widespread in the study area. Publis hed by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.