Table 3. Coefficient of paths in the best-fit final model for TN with elevation, developed areas and vegetation pattern metrics in watershed. Among pattern metrics of riparian vegetation, PLAND, LPI and LDI significantly reduced the concentration of TN in streams.

Path b β S.E. C.R. P
Elevation → Developed areas −0.04 −0.39 0.01 −3.92 0.00
Elevation → PLAND 0.04 0.24 0.01 3.88 0.00
Developed → PLAND −0.59 −0.44 0.12 −4.84 0.00
Developed → LDI 0.002 0.32 0.001 3.17 0.00
Developed → LPI −0.35 −0.32 0.11 −3.14 0.00
Developed → TN 0.03 0.38 0.01 3.33 0.00
PLAND → TN −0.02 −0.31 0.01 −1.82 0.06
LPI → TN 0.01 0.25 0.01 2.02 0.04
LDI → TN −3.84 −0.31 1.73 −2.21 0.02