Simulations of soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics during seven years in a catch crop experiment

Abstract

This study aimed, with the use of simulation models, to quantify the effect of several years incorporation of catch crop material into the soil on soil organic matter storage, N mineralisation capacity and risk for N leaching. C and N dynamics in crop and soil were simulated with the SOILN model (Version 9.2). The simulated results were compared with measurements of crop and soil N, crop biomass and N-leaching from a catch crop field experiment situated in southwestern Sweden. The generality of parameter values determining the long-term turnover of soil organic matter was tested. To reproduce measured soil mineral N and crop N, mineralisation had to be favoured by high C mineralisation. After 6 years of catch crop treatment, simulated soil organic matter content had increased by less than 2%, but the N-mineralisation capacity had increased by 25%, corresponding to 37 kg N ha(-1). With a continuous annual use of catch crops only a few per cent of the extra mineralised N was leached. Without a succeeding catch crop, however, 30% of N from the increased mineralisation was leached. The results indicated that the decomposition rate increased immediately after frost events. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords

catch crop systems; soil organic matter-storage; carbon and nitrogen interactions; long-term dynamics

Published in

Agricultural Systems
2003, volume: 76, number: 1, pages: 95-114

SLU Authors

• Blombäck, Karin

  • Department of Soil Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Eckersten, Henrik

  • Department of Ecology and Crop Production Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Lewan, Elisabet

  • Department of Soil Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Aronsson, Helena

  • Department of Soil Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Soil Science
Agricultural Science

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/s0308-521x(02)00030-6

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/1280