Assistance for using the Rothc model in Russia: the method of preparing input information
The method of preparing input data for the model RothC to estimate soil organic carbon losses from arable soils in the European part of Russia is developed. Recommended information sources are systemized. The sequence of calculation of plant biomass carbon inputted in a soil after harvesting is described. It is offered to determine its monthly input in a soil by geometrical progression from a sowing month till a harvest month depending on duration of a vegetation season. Introduction of intermediate values of plant retainment rate modifying factors (0.7; 0.8; 0.9) in the first months after sowing is justified because while crops are growing, leaves area is rising gradually. As example of approbation of method developed, the calculation of soil organic carbon losses from arable chernozems under four crops in Kursk region is presented. According to modelling results, over -11990-2018 soil organic carbon stocks decreased in diapason from 289 kg C ha-1 yrin winter wheat agrocenosis to 407 kg C ha-1 yr-1 from soil under potato, the average rate was 342±54 kg C ha-1 yr-1. Results of the RothC model is climate-determined and annual values of soil organic carbon losses for all crops change synchronously from one year to another.