Using different versions of the Rothamsted Carbon model to simulate soil carbon in long-term experimental plots subjected to paddy–upland rotation in Japan

Abstract

We validated the Rothamsted Carbon (RothC) model against 14 experimental plots subjected to different paddy–upland rotation patterns, including continuous paddy rice cropping and different periods (short, medium, and long term) of upland conversion, in Akita prefecture, northern Japan. We ran the model using the original version of the RothC model, the paddy-soil version of the RothC model (which uses a reduced carbon decomposition rate), and alternating the use of the original and the paddy-soil versions for years with summer upland cropping and paddy rice cropping, respectively. The best simulation pattern was provided by the alternate use of the two versions. In comparison with the original RothC model, alternate use of the two versions showed a smaller root mean square error in all experimental plots and a smaller absolute value of the mean difference in 10 plots with continuous paddy rice cropping and short- and medium-term upland conversion. Alternate use of the two versions had a lower root mean square error and lower absolute value of the mean difference in long-term upland conversion plots compared to the values for the paddy-soil version and showed better performance than the paddy-soil version when straw was applied. The model performance from alternating use of the two versions compared well with the performance reported in previous studies. Alternating the use of the two model versions provides a good technique for simulating changes in soil organic carbon with time, even with a paddy–upland rotation pattern. In addition, this technique will enable a more accurate inventory of Japanese greenhouse gases and help land managers better manage soil fertility in a paddy–upland rotation system.