Estimation of runoff critical shear stress for soil erosion from soil shear strength

Critical shear stress is an important soil parameter governing detachment by runoff which appears in numerous erosion models. Soil shear strength has been often presented as the best soil property to predict critical shear stress. However, only a few studies have documented the relationship between soil shear strength and critical shear stress, and the results obtained have sometimes seemed contradictory. This is why we have put together all available data about the relationship between critical shear stress and soil shear strength in order to analyse and discuss its significance and its generality. Results showed that contradictions between different studies mainly arise because total shear stress is a poor predictor of detachment on rough soils. When grain shear stress is used rather than total shear stress, a significant relationship between saturated soil shear strength and critical shear stress does exist. Soil shear strength may thus be used to predict critical grain shear stress. However, it is recalled that in general only total shear stress is predicted by erosion models, which makes detachment predictions difficult on rough natural soils.     

A rational method for estimating erodibility and critical shear stress of an eroding rill

Soil erodibility and critical shear stress are two of the most important parameters for physically-based soil erosion modeling. To aid in future soil erosion modeling, a rational method for determining the soil erodibility and critical shear stress of rill erosion under concentrated flow is advanced in this paper. The method suggests that a well-defined rill be used for shear stress estimation while infinite short rill lengths be used for determination of detachment capacity. The derivative of the functional relationship between sediment yield and rill length at the inlet of rill flow, as opposed to average detachment rate of a long rill, was used for the determination of detachment capacity. Soil erodibility and critical shear stress were then regressively estimated with detachment capacity data under different flow regimes. Laboratory data of rill erosion under well defined rill channels from a loess soil was used to estimate the soil erodibility and critical shear stress. The results showed that no significant change in soil erodibility (K_r) was observed for different slope gradients ranging from 5 to 25 while critical shear stress increased slightly with the slope gradient. Soil erodibility of the loess soil was 0.3211 ± 0.001 s m^− 1. The soil erodibility and critical shear stress calculations were then compared with data from other resources to verify the feasibility of the method. Data comparison showed that the method advanced is a physically logical and feasible method to calculate the soil erodibility and critical shear stress for physically-based soil erosion models.     

Determination of rill erodibility and critical shear stress of saturated purple soil slopes

The hydrological conditions near the soil surface influence the soil erosion process, as determined by the soil erodibility and critical shear stress. The soil erodibility and critical shear stress of saturated purple soil slopes were computed and compared with those of unsaturated purple soil slopes. The detachment capacities computed through the numerical method (NM), modified numerical method (MNM) and analytical method (AM), from rill erosion experiments on saturated purple soil slopes at different flow rates (2, 4, and 8 L min^?1) and slope gradients (5, 10, 15, and 20°), were used to comparatively compute the soil erodibility and critical shear stress. The computed soil erodibilities and critical shear stresses were also compared with those of unsaturated purple soil slopes. At the different slope gradients ranging from 5° to 20°, there were no significant differences in the soil erodibilities of the saturated purple soil and also in those of the unsaturated purple soil. The critical shear stresses slightly varied with the slope gradients. The saturated purple soil was relatively significantly more susceptible to erosion. The NM overestimated the soil erodibility of both saturated and unsaturated soils by 31% and underestimated the critical shear stress. The MNM yielded the same soil erodibility and critical shear stress values as the AM. The results of this study supply parameters for modeling rill erosion of saturated purple soil slope.     

饱和状态下黄绵土坡面细沟侵蚀可蚀性和临界剪切应力特征

土壤可蚀性参数和临界剪切应力是评价土壤易侵蚀程度和抗水流剪切变形能力的重要指标,目前在黄绵土坡面细沟侵蚀过程中,土壤饱和条件下可蚀性参数和临界剪切应力的变化尚不明确。该研究采用室内土槽模拟冲刷试验确定不同坡度（5°、10°、15°、20°）和流量（2、4、8 L/min）下饱和黄绵土坡面的最大细沟剥蚀率,基于数值法、修正数值法和解析法计算土壤可蚀性参数和临界剪切应力。结果表明,3种方法所得最大细沟剥蚀率均随坡度和流量增加而增大,其中修正数值法和解析法计算的最大细沟剥蚀率更接近。土壤可蚀性参数分别是0.485、0.283和0.268 s/m,土壤临界剪切应力分别为1.225、1.244和1.381 N/m2。修正数值法可提高数值法近似计算的精度,使近似计算结果更接近解析法计算获得的理论值。饱和较未饱和黄绵土的土壤可蚀性参数略有减小（16.83%）,而临界剪切应力减小了66.97%,表明土壤饱和对黄绵土土壤可蚀性参数影响很小,但大幅度削弱了土壤临界剪切应力,使得黄绵土坡面饱和后土壤侵蚀更为强烈。此外,饱和黄绵土边坡的临界剪切应力比饱和紫色土坡面大6.38%,而细沟可蚀性参数大2.35倍,表明土壤饱和对2种土壤临界剪切应力影响程度相似,但黄绵土较紫色土对土壤侵蚀的敏感性更高。研究结果可为饱和状态下不同土壤坡面细沟侵蚀模型参数的优化提供参考。     

A continuum approach to soil classification by modified fuzzy k-means with extragrades

The need for a more continuous approach to soil classification is discussed, and methods based on the mathematical constructs known as fuzzy sets are considered most appropriate for this. A centroidal grouping method, fuzzy k-means with extragrades, which quantifies the intragrading and extragrading of soil individuals is described. An example of the application of this technique to an area of 4800 ha at Wesepe in The Netherlands is presented. The results show that the technique could create a classification that reflects the main pedological features of the area in a continuous way. Although there may be problems in selecting the optimal number of groups and degree of fuzziness, we conclude that the method is most promising and worthy of consideration when any type of quantitative soil classification is required.     

坡面径流剪切力分布及其与土壤剥蚀率关系的试验研究

 径流剪切力是建立土壤侵蚀过程模型重要的水动力学参数,研究径流剪切力和土壤侵蚀产沙相关关系具有重要理论和实践意义。以径流冲刷模拟试验为研究手段,研究不同流量和不同坡度组合条件下坡面侵蚀过程中径流剪切力的分布特征,并对应分析土壤剥蚀率与各阶段径流临界剪切力的相关关系。结果表明:不同试验条件下,坡面侵蚀发育各阶段径流剪切力和土壤剥蚀率随冲刷流量的增加而增加,随小区坡度的变化受临界坡度影响;土壤剥蚀率与放水流量、坡度和径流剪切力等多因子呈线性相关,与流量或坡度的大小呈正比,与径流剪切力的大小呈反比;土壤剥蚀率与各径流剪切力单因子呈幂函数或指数函数相关,随径流剪切力的增加呈增加趋势;坡面产生跌坎时的临界剪切力和坡面径流平均剪切力均可以作为土壤侵蚀预测参数。     

A fuzzy logic-classification of sediments based on data from in vitro biotests

Background, aim, and scope  Ecotoxicological risk assessment of sediments is usually based on a multitude of data obtained from tests with different endpoints. In the present study, a fuzzy logic-based model was developed in order to reduce the complexity of these data sets and to classify sediments on the basis of results from a battery of in vitro biotests. Materials and methods  The membership functions were adapted to fit the specific sensitivity and variability of each biotest. For this end, data sets were categorized into three toxicity levels using the box plot and empirical methods. The variability of each biotest was determined to calculate the range of the gradual membership. In addition, the biotests selected were ranked according to the biological organisation level in order to consider the ecological relevance of the endpoints measured by selected over- or underestimation of the toxicity levels. In the next step of the fuzzy logic model, a rule-base was implemented using if...and...then decisions to arrive at a system of five quality classes. Results  The results of the classification of sediments from the Rhine and Danube Rivers showed the highest correlation between the biotest results and the fuzzy logic alternative based on the empirical method (i.e. the classification of the data sets into toxicity levels). Discussion  Many different classification systems based on biological test systems are depending on respective data sets; therefore, they are difficult to compare with other locations. Furthermore, they don‘t consider the inherent variability of biotests and the ecological relevance of these test systems as well. In order to create a comprehensive risk assessment for sediments, mathematical models should be used which take uncertainties of biotest systems into account, since they are of particular importance for a reliable assessment. In the present investigation, the variability and ecological relevance of biotests were incorporated into a classification system based on fuzzy logic. Furthermore, since data from different sites and investigations were used to create membership functions of the fuzzy logic, this classification system has the potential to be independent of locations. Conclusions  In conclusion, the present fuzzy logic classification model provides an opportunity to integrate expert knowledge as well as acute and mechanism-specific effects for the classification of sediments for an ecotoxicological risk assessment. Recommendations and perspectives  In order to achieve a more comprehensive classification, further investigation is needed to incorporate results of chemical analyses and in situ parameters. Furthermore, more discussions are necessary with respect to the relative weight attributed to different ecological and chemical parameters in order to obtain a more precise assessment of sediments.     

模糊故障树分析方法在HACCP中的应用研究

危害分析与关键控制点(HACCP)是一个复杂的系统工程,对于农产品加工企业或食品企业而言,制定一个产品的HACCP计划有很大的难度,特别是对于关键控制点的正确选取更需要领域专家的帮助。该文介绍了故障树分析方法在HACCP体系第一原则和第二原则上的应用,并引入模糊数学理论中的模糊算法和非模糊化方法与故障树分析方法相结合,分别适用于计划的制定和计划的变更,并可根据该方法开发出制定计划的软件工具,使得计划的制定趋于简单化和自动化。     

A model to simulate response of plant stomata to environmental conditions

In order to simulate plant transpiration under different field climatic conditions we have developed and verified a semi-empirical model for predicting the stomatal response to solar global radiation, leaf temperature, vapour pressure difference between the leaf and ambient air, ambient air CO₂ concentration and soil water potential. The transpiration and the stomatal relative conductance of a Nicotania Tabaccum var “samsun” plant leaves were measured in a laboratory apparatus and compared to those predicted by the model: good agreement was obtained between them for the different investigated cases. The model was incorporated in a numerical greenhouse microclimate model and its effects on the canopy microclimate are discussed here.     

城市透水面集水效应现场试验

现场试验是获得城市透水面雨水下渗特性的重要手段。为了探索和验证城市透水面集水效应的现场试验方法,并初步率定嵌草砖铺装路面的渗流特性,通过城市嵌草砖铺装路面的降雨模拟现场试验,观测试验面出口的径流过程。结果证实：1）该试验系统的降雨模拟装置可移动性好,节水显著;径流观测装置对试验区周围地貌改变微小,其灵敏度和可操作性符合试验要求。2）嵌草砖铺装路面初期产流量较小,其主要原因是高出地面的嵌草及低于地面的水坑阻挡了地表径流;试验场出口径流过程曲线有波动,造成这种现象的主要原因是流场中嵌草的起伏和摆动。3）当地表充分湿润、降雨强度为1.19 mm/min时,嵌草砖铺装路面的渗流率约为0.42。     

A geochemical analytical approach for the evaluation of heavy metal distribution in lagoon sediments

Background, Aim, and Scope  Italian lagoon environments are of great importance due either to their frequency and distribution along the coasts or to their management. Agriculture, urban and industrial activities in lagoon catchments can be sources of heavy metal (HM) pollution by direct waste dumping, atmospheric deposition of fumes or, simply, as a consequence of a lack of natural water recharge. HM concentration in lagoon sediments is a tool of HM monitoring in the surrounding environment. Application of sequential extraction procedures (SEP) to sediments makes it possible to study the HM distribution among the main geochemical phases and to assess their potential mobilization as a consequence of environmental condition variations. In the present study, the three-step SEP (0.11 m HOAc; 0.1 m NH₂OH·HCl; 8.8 m H₂O₂ and then 1 m NH₄OAc), developed by the Measurement and Testing Programme of the European Commission (BCR), was combined with information on the chemical and mineralogical properties of the sediments in order to assess the level and risk of mobility of HM (Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn) in sediments from the Fusaro volcanic coastal lagoon of southern Italy. The effect of sediment air drying and physico-chemical properties on the metal distribution in various geochemical forms and fractions was considered. Materials and Methods  Surface (5 cm depth) sediment samples were collected from twenty-one sites on the Fusaro lagoon. Moisture, pH, organic carbon, carbonates, particle-size distribution and HM total content were determined on the dried sediment samples. The mineralogy of the clay fraction was determined at room temperature on random and oriented samples. The different forms of Al, Si and Fe in the bulk sediment (< 2 mm) were analyzed after oxalate, dithionite-citrate and pyrophosphate extractions. The BCR-SEP was used to fractionate trace element chemical forms in nine selected sediment samples. Effects of sediment air-drying on HM fractionation were analyzed. Results  Middle (Cu, Cr) and low (Cd, Pb, Zn) concentrations of heavy metals in sediment samples from the deeper central part of the lagoon were observed. Cadmium resulted in mainly being associated with carbonate forms (∼60%), whereas Cr and Ni occurred primarily as residual mineral phases (>50%). Zn appeared uniformly distributed among the main geochemical forms. Considerable presence of Cr, Cu and Pb was found in the oxidizable fraction (∼50%), indicating organic matter and/or sulphides major sinks for these metals. Differences of heavy metal distribution among sediment samples were observed, depending on the total metal content and on sediment properties. Modifications in metal speciation induced by sediment air drying mainly consist of a transfer of the actual and potentially mobile fractions towards immobile fractions (mineral residue) by oxidation and formation of Fe and Mn oxides. Discussion  Both total content and sequential extraction results did not show an environmental critical situation: the only possible risk, associated with heavy element mobility, could occur in consequence of a drastic pH and redox equilibria variation at the water-sediment interface. Conclusions  Despite all limitations, the BCR-SEP combined with information on the chemical and mineralogical properties of the sediment solid matrix provides a valuable approach to describe the risks related to the potentially toxic HM occurring in sediments (in this paper the case of the Fusaro lagoon is examined). HM distribution among the sequentially extracted geochemical forms is affected by sediment properties, such as pH (Zn), clay (Cd), Fe easily reducible oxides (Pb) and organic matter (Cu) content. Recommendations  Political managers, usually facing limitations of time and resources, have to optimize the cognitive phases, selecting the most useful information to make ‘effective and correct decisions’ in the environmental field. Therefore, although conscious of the limits of the adopted quality assessment, we believe it represents a good compromise between time and resource availability (i.e. type and quality of information). Outlook  The complementary use of the simple and rapid European fractionation scheme with information on the chemical and mineralogical properties of the sediments provides more awareness about the nature of the sediment components involved and offers a more reliable way for studying HM speciation in sediments.     

向日葵芽苗期离子对复合盐胁迫的响应

研究向日葵耐盐的离子响应机制,可为快速筛选耐盐向日葵品种提供科学依据。本试验以油用向日葵盐敏感品种‘YK18’、中度耐盐品种‘YK06’和耐盐品种‘GF01’为试验材料,研究0 mmol·L~(–1)、50 mmol·L~(–1)、100 mmol·L~(–1)、150 mmol·L~(–1)、200 mmol·L~(–1)和250 mmol·L~(–1)复合盐(NaCl和Na_2SO_4按9∶1摩尔比混合)浓度下的种子萌发和离子在萌发幼苗中积累分布情况,并利用离子流检测技术,动态监测了复合盐胁迫24 h后植株根系的K~+、Na~+、Ca~(2+)等离子的流速流向。结果表明,复合盐胁迫抑制向日葵种子萌发,导致发芽率下降,平均发芽时间延长。盐胁迫后向日葵根系K~+大量外排,流速为‘YK18’‘YK06’‘GF01’;随着盐胁迫浓度升高,根系Na~+流速由内吸转为外排,内吸时‘YK18’速度最大,‘YK06’次之,‘GF01’最小,外排时‘GF01’流速最大,其"排盐"现象明显。复合盐胁迫后,整株的Na~+积累量增加,K~+减少,K~+/Na~+随着盐浓度升高而下降;低盐浓度(150 mmol·L~(–1))下‘GF01’和‘YK06’茎秆中K~+/Na~+低于‘YK18’;高盐胁迫(≥150 mmol·L~(–1))下,‘GF01’整株Na~+积累最少,叶片K~+/Na~+最高。另外,盐胁迫下向日葵幼苗根系Ca~(2+)的吸收速率加快,‘GF01’是‘YK18’的2倍。由此可见,不同耐盐性的油用向日葵植株在盐胁迫下可通过调节Na~+、K~+和Ca~(2+)的吸收与外排来适应盐胁迫环境,耐盐性强的品种具有更强的保K~+能力,并通过区域化Na~+(低盐胁迫)和拒盐机制(高盐胁迫)来提高其对盐胁迫的耐受性,维持植株叶片中合理的K~+/Na~+值。本研究结果可为盐碱地耐盐品种筛选和栽培提供理论依据。     

Application of the critical loads approach in South Africa

South Africa is the most industrialised country in southern Africa and stands at some risk from negative pollution impacts. To the authors' knowledge, this paper presents the first attempt to apply the critical loads approach on the African continent; although sensitivity mapping has been performed for Africa and the rest of the world (Kuylerstierna et al, this conference). Actual sulphate and base cation deposition loads in Mpumalanga (formerly the Eastern Transvaal province of South Africa) were mapped from 16 monitoring sites. The region is characterised by long, dry periods with little rain, high evaporation (up to 8 mm per day) and low run-off (15% of MAP). Provisional critical load and exceedance maps were produced for the surface waters using the Steady-State Water Chemistry Model and the Diatom model. Maps of soil sensitivity to acid deposition, based on bedrock lithology, soil chemical characteristics and land cover, were produced. A weathering rate of 0.39–0.86 keq/ha/year was calculated for the most sensitive sites and taken as the critical load, based on the assumption that the weathering rate represents the buffering ability of the system. The critical loads were contrasted with measures of actual deposition to examine potential scenario's for critical load exceedances. Akey factor in refining the sensitivity maps, and allowing estimation of the critical loads, is the accurate calculation of weathering rates under the warmer and more arid environmental conditions prevalent in South Africa. In a developing country such as South Africa, where research resources are limited, the critical loads approach is a valuable means of assessing the risk of potential impacts of atmospheric deposition.     

A methodological approach for ecotoxicological characterization of non-hazardous sediments for their beneficial reuse

Purpose

In France, the beneficial reuse of sediments is conditioned upon a demonstration of environmental acceptability for each scenario. Such evidence has to be provided in application of the NF EN 12920 +A1 standard methodologies. Before the application of risk assessment methodology, the HP14 hazard property must be measured using specific bioassays. However, sediments may have ecotoxicological impacts despite a non-hazardous classification. The application of a battery of bioassays sensitive to non-hazardous sediments could allow to select sediments before choosing the beneficial reuse option.

Materials and methods

First, HP14 methodologies were applied on the studied sediments. These sediments had to be managed on shore according to French legislation. Then, following recommendations from a previous study, other ecotoxicological tests and modified ecotoxicological tests from HP14 methodology were selected. Ostracods mortality and growth tests were selected as a complement because its sensitivity to sediment ecotoxicity is known. To take into account the effects of extraction method and liquid/solid ratio on ecotoxicological impact of sediments, ecotoxicological tests have been applied to percolates. They have been obtained from up-flow percolation tests following the standard NF EN 14405. For each percolate, the rotifer clones reproduction test and the ostracod mortality and growth tests were performed.

Results and discussion

Contaminant analyses of sediments studied reveal differences in contamination between non-hazardous sediments. The majority of ecotoxicological tests carried out in the HP14 test batteries do not differentiate between non-hazardous sediments with low ecotoxicity. However, inhibition of rotifer reproduction and inhibition of plant germination and growth tests can be used. Among the complementary bioassays performed, the ostracods growth inhibition and multigenerational Daphnia reproduction inhibition tests are especially sensitive. Bioassays performed on percolates reveal low ecotoxicities that were not detected with conventional bioassays. For these tests, maximum ecotoxicities are observed on the first percolates for most of the tested sediments, and ecotoxicity effects decrease with the increase in the liquid/solid ratio.

Conclusions

The results enable us to propose a bioassay battery able to highlight the intrinsic toxicity of non-hazardous sediments. This is achieved through bioassays and using up-flow percolation columns to detect low ecotoxicity. This battery can be integrated into the SEDIMATERIAUX approach to ensure the choice of the beneficial reuse option for such sediment. As some of the proposed bioassays remain unsuitable for marine sediments, future studies will adapt the methodology to the presence of marine salts.

     

A new approach for modelling vertical stress distribution at the soil/tyre interface to predict the compaction of cultivated soils by using the PLAXIS code

Soil compaction by agricultural machines can have adverse effects on crop production and the environment. Different models based on the Finite Element Method have been proposed to calculate soil compaction intensity as a function of vehicle and soil properties. One problem when modelling soil compaction due to traffic is the estimation of vertical stress distribution at the soil surface, as the vertical stress is inhomogeneous (non-uniform) and depends on soil and tyre properties. However, uniform stress distribution at the soil/tyre interface is used to predict the compaction of cultivated soils in most FEM compaction models. We propose a new approach to numerically model vertical stress distribution perpendicular to the driving direction at the soil/tyre interface, employing the FEM models of PLAXIS code. The approach consists of a beam (characterised by its geometric dimensions and flexural rigidity) introduced at the soil surface and loaded with a uniform stress with the aim to simulate the action of a wheel at the soil surface. Different shapes of stress distribution are then obtained numerically at the soil surface by varying the flexural rigidity of the beam and the mechanical parameters of the soil. PLAXIS simulations show that the soil type (soil texture) modifies the shape of the stress distribution at the edges of the contact interface: a parabolic form is obtained for sand, whereas a U-shaped is obtained for clay. The flexural rigidity of the beam changes the shape of distribution which varies from a homogenous (uniform) to an inhomogeneous distribution (parabolic or U-shaped distribution). These results agree with the measurements of stress distributions for different soils in the literature. We compared simulations of bulk density using PLAXIS to measurement data from compaction tests on a loamy soil. The results show that simulations are improved when using a U-shaped vertical stress distribution which replaces a homogenous one. Therefore, the use of a beam (cylinder) with various flexural rigidities at the soil surface can be used to generate the appropriate distribution of vertical stress for soil compaction modelling during traffic.     

Erosion modelling approach to simulate the effect of land management options on soil loss by considering catenary soil development and farmers perception

The prevention of soil erosion is one of the most essential requirements for sustainable agriculture in developing countries. In recent years it is widely recognized that more site‐specific approaches are needed to assess variations in erosion susceptibility in order to select the most suitable land management methods for individual hillslope sections. This study quantifies the influence of different land management methods on soil erosion by modelling soil loss for individual soil‐landscape units on a hillslope in Southern Uganda. The research combines a soil erosion modelling approach using the physically based Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP)‐model with catenary soil development along hillslopes. Additionally, farmers' perceptions of soil erosion and sedimentation are considered in a hillslope mapping approach. The detailed soil survey confirmed a well‐developed catenary soil sequence along the hillslope and the participatory hillslope mapping exercise proved that farmers can distinguish natural soil property changes using their local knowledge. WEPP‐model simulations show that differences in soil properties, related to the topography along the hillslope, have a significant impact on total soil loss. Shoulder and backslope positions with steeper slope gradients were most sensitive to changes in land management. Furthermore, soil conservation techniques such as residue management and contouring could reduce soil erosion by up to 70 percent on erosion‐sensitive slope sections compared to that under tillage practices presently used at the study site. The calibrated model may be used as a tool to provide quantitative information to farmers regarding more site‐specific land management options. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A new equation to simulate the contact between soil and maize residues of different sizes during their decomposition

The availability of soil nutrients, which are recycled through the decomposition of crop residues, is important for the management of cropped soils. However, knowledge regarding the influence of contact between crop residues and soil on the dynamics of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in soil is limited. In particular, the effect of particle size on decomposition is not well-known, and conceptual approaches for modelling the soil-residue contact in a decomposition model remain scarce. Therefore, we analysed and modelled the effect of maize stem particle length on decomposition. We incubated maize stem residues with particle sizes of 0.02, 0.5, 2 and 5 cm in length in a loamy soil at 25 °C over 301 days. We continuously measured the mineralisation of C and N and determined the chemical evolution of the remaining particles. We used the decomposition model CANTIS which takes into account the soil-residue contact, using a contact factor, K_MZ. The decomposition rates of smaller maize particles were higher than those of larger particles during the early phases of decomposition. However, these differences were not maintained after 301 days. These results suggest that a larger size of the maize particles only slowed the rate of mineralisation in the short term but did not modify decomposition in the medium term. We proposed a new formalism for expressing the changes in soil-residue contact with different particle sizes. The contact factor K_MZ was calculated using the standardised specific surface area and can be applied more widely to residues that differ in morphology and density.     

Growth and nitrogen yield of Leucaena/maize mixed culture as affected by salt stress and gypsum

Leucaena leucocephala is a leguminous, deep rooting tree, increasingly utilized in “Low Input” mixed cultures under arid conditions to reduce mineral N requirements and to improve nutrient cycling. This work was carried out to evaluate the growth and N yield of Leucaena and Maize in sand culture with low (0,6 mM) nitrogen supply under saline conditions (NaCl; NaCl + CaCl₂; NaCl + CaSO₄). While the low N nutrient solution failed to sustain maize growth in monoculture, both Leucaena and maize grew well in mixed culture with considerable N yields suggesting significant transfer of N from Leucaena to maize. NaCl depressed the uptake of Ca and S and reduced growth and N yields of both crop species. CaSO₄ counteracted partly the NaCl-effects.     

SWORM: an agent-based model to simulate the effect of earthworms on soil structure

Soil structure can be defined as the spatial organization of solid mineral and organic particles, and pore space. It is of great importance for soil functioning as it drives ecosystem functions (carbon sequestration, emission of greenhouse gases, nutrient cycling, primary productivity, etc.). Soil structure results from biotic and abiotic factors. Among biotic factors, numerous studies have shown the importance of organic matter, microorganisms, roots and invertebrates. Earthworms are known to play a key role in soil structure formation and maintenance through a continuous production of biogenic structures (casts and burrows). As far as we know, no models describe or quantify the effect of soil invertebrates on soil aggregation and porosity. It is a challenge to describe the physical soil environment for purposes of modelling because a soil is a multi‐scale heterogeneous, three‐dimensional and dynamic environment. An approach based on fractal theory (often used in soil sciences) was chosen to model such a real complex environment; it was integrated into a multi‐agent system (MAS), which allows us to simulate agents (e.g. earthworms) situated in a virtual world (e.g. soil). It is a bottom‐up approach that allows us to describe a system at a micro level (e.g. earthworms and their local soil environment) in order to observe, during simulations, macroscopic changes (e.g. soil structure evolution, organic matter dynamics, and microbial functions). In this paper we describe the SWORM (for ‘Simulated Worms’) model and the simulator, and present the results of the simulation applied to a case study. The effect of compacting and decompacting earthworm species on the structure of humid savanna soil at Lamto in Côte d’Ivoire has been widely studied. Quantitative and graphical outputs (e.g. thin sections of the virtual soil) indicate that the simulator was able to reproduce the effects of both compacting and decompacting species. Different ways to improve the model are discussed.