Modelling soil physical and biogeochemical processes

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Models are an important means to improve our understanding through the testing of different hypotheses and scenarios. In this project we seek to apply integrated knowledge in the form of computer simulation models of soil function and agroecosystem productivity.

Specific modelling targets:

1. A model of the formation and movement of DOC and DON in soil that will allow us to explore (i) the movement of these potential pollutants out of soil, (ii) the role played by dissolved organic matter in altering the physical environment of soil and (iii) the role played by DOC and DON in nutrient dynamics and organic matter turnover (in conjunction with PCB)

2. A combined model of the effects of drought, strong soil and nutrient stresses on plants growing in soils that will allow us to explore the interacting effects of these stresses in agricultural ecosystems (in conjunction with WRW)

3. Development of a mathematical framework to compare the validity of hypotheses that are expressed as models and that allows the design of optimised experiments to test those hypotheses.

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