Comparison of several approaches representing terrestrial and in-stream nutrient retention and decomposition in watershed modelling.

Highlights: [•] Nutrient retention cannot be neglected in eco-hydrological watershed modelling. [•] Nutrients coming from diffuse sources do not need in-stream river processes. [•] Retention in soils and rivers is needed to well capture all nutrient concentrations. [•] Most complex model approach for river processes delivers best seasonal dynamics. [•] High complexity requires high calibration effort but is not necessary in all cases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]