title: Calibration and inverse modelling of soil physical and biological parameters of a nitrate leaching model with the pest programme.
abstract: This paper reports on experiences with the use of the PEST (Parameter ESTimation) programme to calibrate the soil physical parameters of a nitrate leaching model (the Burns alpha model) and to determine the N mineralization rate by inverse modelling. Parameter estimation was much more efficient and accurate with the PEST programme than with a built in "trial and error" calibration module. The determination of the N mineralization rate by inverse modelling with PEST using measured nitrate concentrations was not possible, and several reasons for this are given. With more suitable experimental fields (lighter soil texture and/or deeper groundwater level), more replications in the nitrate measurements and a one-step calibration of the alpha parameter and the N mineralization rate, determination of the N mineralization rate may become possible.
authors.affiliation: Department of Soil Management and Soil Care, Ghent Universiteit, Coupure Links 653, BE-9000 Gent, Belgium.
authors.forename: Stefaan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: De Neve
mesh_terms: D002138:Calibration; D003198:Computer Simulation; D007700:Kinetics; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009566:Nitrates / Q000032:analysis*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012987:Soil / Q000032:analysis*; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis; D014873:Water Pollutants / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D009566:Nitrates; D012987:Soil; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D014873:Water Pollutants