Current models of diffuse pollution are characterised by a progressive
engagement with remotely-sensed data coupled with more elegant
modelling approaches. Central to these new models is the concept of
connectivity, which leads to the identification and prioritisation of
those landscape units (e.g., fields) where the consequences of land
management activities are most readily transmitted to watercourses. The
practice of diffuse pollution modelling using such models encounters
certain problems. Following Brewer we argue that interdisciplinarity
offers the opportunity to overcome these problems through: (1) its
explicit recognition of the framing implicit in model development; (2)
an emphasis on context in problem-solving; (3) methodological
pluralism; and (4) following from these other factors, the possibility
of a different sort of engagement between land managers and modellers.
Hence, the case for developing interdisciplinary approaches goes beyond
the conventional dictates of problem-led research and points to very
different ways of conducting diffuse pollution research, taking on
board the full dimensions of interdisciplinarity, with its emphasis on
reflexivity, contextuality, substance and engagement.