Abstract
A dynamic simulation model of nitrogen flow in a grassland ecosystem has been developed. State variables in the model include the nitrogen in the following major components: soil ammonium, soil nitrate, live roots, dead roots, soil organic matter, live tops, and litter. Belowground components are subdivided into four depth layers. The model includes a simple producer-decomposer submodel, but the nitrogen sections have also been incorporated into the ELM model.
Temperature and soil-water driving variables are supplied from external sources (data or other models). Nitrogen flows, plant growth, and plant decomposition are controlled by temperature, soil water, phenological stage of plant development, and the nitrogen status of the various components of the system. The interaction of the nitrogen components with production and decomposition rates allow nitrogen status to act as a control variable in ecosystem processes, an important feature in a grassland model.
Tests indicate that the model performs in a realistic manner. Simulation of fertilizer effects has been satisfactory, and the model has been useful in identifying critical processes where further research is necessary to advance understanding of the system.
Supported in part by the Colorado State University Experiment Station and published as Scientific Series Paper No. 2047.
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Reuss, J.O., Innis, G.S. (1978). A Grassland Nitrogen-flow Simulation Model. In: Innis, G.S. (eds) Grassland Simulation Model. Ecological Studies, vol 26. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-9929-5_7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-9929-5_7
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