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Managing Organic Matter in Tropical Soils: Scope and Limitations pp 33–39Cite as

(Tropical) soil organic matter modelling: problems and prospects

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Part of the book series: Developments in Plant and Soil Sciences ((DPSS,volume 93))

Abstract

Soil organic matter plays an important role in many physical, chemical and biological processes. However, the quantitative relations between the mineral and organic components of the soil and the relations with the vegetation are poorly understood. In such situations, the use of models is an important research tool to explore the relations between the various components, to increase insight into processes, to examine the consequences of management, and to explore the possibilities for modification. An overview is given of the state-of-the-art in modelling of soil organic matter dynamics, with special emphasis on the processes in tropical regions. Major points identified as insufficiently developed include: Methodology is lacking to quantitatively describe the impact of soil texture and soil structure on the activity of soil biota. Effects of the microfauna on modelled organic matter transformations in the soil appear to be lacking. Techniques for direct measurement of pool sizes and characterisation of the relevant properties of the variety of organic substances would represent a major step towards verification of models and the revision of inherent concepts. The non-nutrient functions of organic matter, such as structural stability, water holding capacity and cation exchange capacity, need far more attention in modelling of soil organic matter.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Plant Research International, Group Plant Production Systems, Wageningen University and Research Centre (WUR), P.O.Box 16, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands

    Herman van Keulen

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  1. Herman van Keulen
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C. Martius H. Tiessen P. L. G. Vlek

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© 2001 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

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van Keulen, H. (2001). (Tropical) soil organic matter modelling: problems and prospects. In: Martius, C., Tiessen, H., Vlek, P.L.G. (eds) Managing Organic Matter in Tropical Soils: Scope and Limitations. Developments in Plant and Soil Sciences, vol 93. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-2172-1_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-2172-1_4

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-90-481-5947-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-017-2172-1

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