A comparison of two models to predict nitrogen dynamics in organic agricultural systems

Two publicly available crop/soil models were compared. These were the EU-Rotate_N model (www.warwick.ac.uk/go/eurotaten) and the NDICEA model (www.ndicea.nl). Each simulation was also compared to measured data from an organically managed site in the English Midlands. Results showed that, overall, EU-Rotate_N gave a better estimation of soil mineral nitrogen, particularly after the incorporation of a long-term fertility-building crop. This model has a lot of flexibility but is aimed at researchers and requires more work before it is ready to be used by farmers or advisors. The NDICEA model is much simpler to use with a user-friendly interface