Assessing the nutrient cycling potential in agricultural soils using decision modelling

One of the essential functions that agricultural soils provide is nutrient cycling. The capacity of soils to provide this function is influenced by the interactions between soil properties, climate and management. Understanding these interactions can help in assessing the soil nutrient cycling potential on a field and in identifying best management options. To optimize this process, we developed a multi-attribute decision model using the DEXi modelling tool. The outputs from this model may be used to obtain recommendations for farmers and other stakeholders and assist them with the selection of management practices fostering the nutrient cycling potential of soils.