Using soil carbon manager - socrates, a simulation model to assess optimum soil and crop management for soil organic carbon sustainability in a farm located at Kilkis, Greece

Abstract

Crop and soil simulation models were developed since the early 70's following the great development of personal computers and programming software. The simulation models in general and not only those related to soil-crop processes have offered significant help in many situation, where a prediction was needed to form before actually implementing real work. They saved work hours and as far as human lives, and prevented environmental catastrophes. Lately simulation models are coupled with Precision Agriculture to enhance the application of more effective measures. Their contribution to enhance sustainable systems and increase productivity is significant. This study evaluates a number of alternative scenarios on a personal farm, using Soil Carbon Manager/SOCRATES, a simulation model of soil carbon changes under various management practices. The model uses inputs from the soil-crop-atmosphere continuum as well as various crops and cultural practices. The objective is to achieve higher efficiency in crop productivity and increase the sustainability of the entire agro ecosystem in a farm located at Kilkis, Greece. The simulations provided an in depth understanding of many scenarios and will be used in next years management practices to achieve more sustainable management and increase productivity on the field. The local farmers who exercise wheat production will now have options to improve their system's sustainability and productivity mainly by maintaining or even improving the SOC in the long run. The importance of residue management is also verified and documented by the simulations.