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Simulation of Phosphorus Cycling in Semiarid Grasslands

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Book cover Grassland Simulation Model

Part of the book series: Ecological Studies ((ECOLSTUD,volume 26))

Abstract

A simulation model of the phorphorus cycle in semiarid grasslands was developed and tested. When used with appropriate data sets for biotic and abiotic driving variables at the Pawnee (Colorado) and Matador (Saskatchewan) Sites, this model predicted plant and decomposer uptakes and turnover rates of the principal phosphorus compartments. Daily phosphorus requirements for plant and decomposer uptake are taken from pools of labile inorganic phosphorus in each soil layer. Mineralization of labile organic phosphorus and leaching of water-soluble forms from standing dead biomass and litter are the main sources of replenishment of the labile inorganic pools. Phosphorus solubility, soil-water content, and rates of diffusion of phosphorus through soil are the primary controls on rates of uptake by the active fraction of the live-root biomass.

Model dynamics are more sensitive to soil parameters than to plant parameters. Simulation results indicate rates of decomposer uptake four to five times greater than plant uptake in semiarid grasslands. Simulated phosphorus concentrations in live plant tops are highly responsive to the pattern of seasonal rainfall, which agrees well with published data. The most critical informational needs revealed by model development and operation are in the areas of activity and morphology of roots and the rates of mineralization of organic phosphorus as affected by soil depth.

Supported in part by the Colorado State University Experiment Station and published as Scientific Series Paper No. 2051.

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Authors
  1. C. Vernon Cole
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  2. George S. Innis
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  3. J. W. B. Stewart
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George S. Innis

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Cole, C.V., Innis, G.S., Stewart, J.W.B. (1978). Simulation of Phosphorus Cycling in Semiarid Grasslands. 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_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-9929-5_8

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-9931-8

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