Biogeochemistry, the watershed approach: some uses and limitations

The watershed (catchment) approach provides a powerful conceptual model for quantitatively evaluating the structure, function and change within a landscape or region. The values and limitations of this approach are considered in this paper, with particular reference to the Hubbard Brook watershed–ecosystem model. The need for informed long-term (sustained) research is stressed; a haphazard collection of data is rarely valuable. Team-building efforts will be needed increasingly in the future to enhance the success of multidisciplinary teams tackling large and complex environmental problems.