Modeling Belowground Dynamics
To simulate how fire and climate change affect soil C and N cycling, we will integrate the DAMM-MCNiP model (Dual Arrhenius Michaelis-Menten-Microbial Carbon and Nitrogen Phyisology) into the NECN extension of LANDIS-II. This will replace the nutrient cycling model that is currently being used in the NECN extension, which was derived in part from Parton's soil CENTURY model. DAMM-MCNiP is a modular C and N cycle model that uses measurable soil organic carbon pools and represents known mechanistic processes. This will allow for better prediction of soil organic carbon response to global change scenarios.