Modelling integrated Carbon-Nitrogen-Phosphorus cycling in natural and
agricultural systems -- the sustainability of long-term agriculture
Abstract
The cycling of carbon within the earth system is intrinsically linked
with major nutrients, notably nitrogen and phosphorus, due to the
tendency of these elements to limit the productivity of terrestrial
ecosystems. To understand the response of the carbon cycle to global
change pressures, models must integrate Carbon-Nitrogen-Phosphorus
cycles. Whilst such models exist, to-date these have focused on natural
and semi-natural ecosystems. Agriculture results in significant
modification to natural biogeochemical cycling, and currently represents
approximately 37% of land-use. With the projected increase in global
food demand over the 21st century, this area is expected to increase. It
is therefore critical to understand and simulate biogeochemical cycling
in both natural and agricultural systems, and the transition between
these, to estimate ecosystem response to environmental change. In this
study we present an integrated C-N-P model including both natural and
agricultural temperate ecosystems. The N14CP model has been developed to
include representation of both arable and grassland systems, with the
inclusion of agricultural management practices such as fertilizer
application, crop removal, grazing and yield estimation. The model has
been tested both spatially and temporally using a range of long-term
experimental sites across Northern-Europe, and applied at both local and
national scales. We use the model to assess impacts of land-use change
and management on long-term nutrient cycling, and discuss the
implications of this for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem
functioning.