Calibration and validation of models for short-term decomposition and N mineralization of plant residues in the tropics

Alexandre Ferreira do Nascimento, Eduardo de Sá Mendonça, Luiz Fernando Carvalho Leite, Johannes Scholberg, Julio Cesar Lima Neves
2012 Scientia Agricola  
Insight of nutrient release patterns associated with the decomposition of plant residues is important for their effective use as a green manure in food production systems. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the ability of the Century, APSIM and NDICEA simulation models for predicting the decomposition and N mineralization of crop residues in the tropical Atlantic forest biome, Brazil. The simulation models were calibrated based on actual decomposition and N mineralization rates of three types
more » ... crop residues with different chemical and biochemical composition. The models were also validated for different pedo-climatic conditions and crop residues conditions. In general, the accuracy of decomposition and N mineralization improved after calibration. Overall RMSE values for the decomposition and N mineralization of the crop materials varied from 7.4 to 64.6 % before models calibration compared to 3.7 to 16.3 % after calibration. Therefore, adequate calibration of the models is indispensable for use them under humid tropical conditions. The NDICEA model generally outperformed the other models. However, the decomposition and N mineralization was not very accurate during the first 30 days of incubation, especially for easily decomposable crop residues. An additional model variable may be required to capture initial microbiological growth as affected by the moisture dynamics of the residues, as is the case in surface residues decomposition models. of plant residues in the tropics § Present Address: Embrapa Solos/UEP Recife, Rua Antônio Falcão, 402 -51020-240 -Recife, PE -Brasil.
doi:10.1590/s0103-90162012000600008 fatcat:pjttmiqekzbbhp3n35wgb3ahf4