Location: Soil and Water Conservation Research
Project Number: 5356-11120-003-02
Start Date: Jul 01, 2013
End Date: Jun 30, 2016
The CQESTR model, a carbon (C) balance model developed by ARS scientists at the Columbia Plateau Soil Conservation Research Center (CPCRC) in Pendleton, will be modified. The modification of a process-based soil C model such as CQESTR requires detailed knowledge of current model structure and knowledge of proposed algorithm addition. First, we will review current available literature on the CQESTR model structure, and any available literature on properties of tropical soils related to soil organic matter decomposition. Factors controlling preservation or mineralization of soil organic matter will be examined. Second, we will develop functions and algorithms proper for tropical soil organic matter humification. Third, we will examine the model structure, and code and modify the code to accommodate the newly developed algorithms. Fourth, any changes in the program code will be documented. Fifth, new executable files will be prepared. Sixth, all accomplished tasks will be documented in a final report and a peer-reviewed manuscript will be prepared.