Simulating soil greenhouse gases emissions with the ARMOSA model: calibration with continuous field measures of CO2 and N2O soil fluxes from the AGRESTIC Project

The complex interactions that soil, weather conditions and cropping system management practices have on carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions from arable lands can be evaluated using process-based dynamic simulations models. Continuous field measures of CO2 and N2O soil fluxes were employed to calibrate and evaluate ARMOSA cropping system model for two cropping systems in a pilot farm located in northern Italy (Ravenna). After parameters calibration, the model was able to satisfactorily capture crop and soil related variables, as well as CO2 (average RRMSE 15.1% for bare soil periods) and N2O (average RRMSE 30.0%) cumulative emissions obtained on the base of soil use. Overall, ARMOSA model adequately simulated emissions trends over time, taking into account weather conditions, tillage events, mineral N application (type and depth), crop residue type and management (removal, soil incorporation or mulching).