EUROSAM - European Salt Marsh Modelling
The project is summarised below, but a full PDF version of the final report is available for download.
>> click here for the full pdf report
These
studies investigated fluxes of organic matter and nitrogen in
salt marshes. Data from previous studies were supplemented by
new data from the special 'in situ' mesocosms set up at Tollesbury,
Essex and models were constructed of the fluxes of organic matter
'ANCOSM' and of nitrogen 'NITROMOD'.
The model of the fluxes of organic matter 'ANCOSM' showed that below-ground primary productivity contributed significantly to salt marsh development. Differential soil compaction affected the incorporation of sediment and organic matter in the salt marsh soil.
Salt
marsh nitrogen fluxes were studied using the 'NITROMOD' model.
The model predicted well the changes in the soil NO3-N
but levels of NH4-N were more variable and less easy
to predict. Differences between species in C:N ratio and in rates
of break-down of plant litter and the variations in soil moisture
were critical factors here.This project has now been completed and the final report has been submitted to DGXII of the European Commission in Brussels.