Evaluation of two N cycle models for the prediction of N mineralization from grassland soils in the UK

A - Papers appearing in refereed journals

Bhogal, A., Shepherd, M. A., Hatch, D. J., Brown, L. and Jarvis, S. C. 2001. Evaluation of two N cycle models for the prediction of N mineralization from grassland soils in the UK. Soil Use and Management. 17 (3), pp. 163-172. https://doi.org/10.1079/SUM200171

AuthorsBhogal, A., Shepherd, M. A., Hatch, D. J., Brown, L. and Jarvis, S. C.
Abstract

The ability of two nitrogen cycle models, of contrasting complexity, to predict N mineralization from a range of grassland soils in the UK, was evaluated. These were NCYCLE, a simple mass balance model of the N cycle in UK grasslands, and CENTURY, a more complex model simulating long-term C, N, P & S dynamics in grassland ecosystems. The models were tested using field measurements of net N mineralization from a range of grassland soils (differing in soil type, history & management practice), obtained over a 2 year period using a soil core incubation technique. This method was considered to measure the total net release of mineral N from the soil organic matter over a specified time, including N which may have been recycled several times. NCYCLE consistently under-estimated mineralization rates at all sites. By contrast, there was some correlation between CENTURY predictions of net N mineralization and field measurements. This may have reflected the different abilities of the two models to simulate N recycling. Neither model, however, was able to predict adequately the effect of cultivation and reseeding on net N mineralization.

KeywordsSoil Science
Year of Publication2001
JournalSoil Use and Management
Journal citation17 (3), pp. 163-172
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1079/SUM200171
Open accessPublished as non-open access
Funder project or codeDelivering Sustainable Systems (SS) [ISPG]
Soil Science and Environmental Quality (SSEQ)
Project: 2430 4003
Project: 2430 5104
Project: NT 1902
ISSN02660032
PublisherWiley

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