ABSTRACT A number of exponential models, classified as first-order reaction models, have been proposed for predicting the mineralization rate of soil organic nitrogen (SON). However, the considerable fluidity and uncertainty associated with the model parameters present a significant challenge. This issue is thought to be attributable to two principal factors: Initially, there is a discrepancy between the model structure and the actual phenomena. Secondly, the model parameters are derived from intra-model calculations. To address these issues, we propose introducing a consecutive first-order reaction model that embodies the recent paradigm for understanding soil nitrogen dynamics, namely the relationship between organic nitrogen (N) polymers, organic N monomers, and inorganic N, and further links the parameters to soil chemistry. The model comprises two discrete pools of SON, specifically persistent organic N (PON) and easily degradable organic N (EON). The model hypothesizes that PON is converted to EON, which then results in N mineralization. The first-order rate law was applied to both reactions. Concurrently, eight paddy soils that had been managed for two years and seven months under non-flooding (oxidative) conditions were maintained in an incubator under oxidative conditions at temperatures 20°C, 25°C, and 30°C for 511 days. N mineralization was quantified on 13 occasions The model parameters were calibrated in accordance with the soil chemistry. The capacity of the EON pool was found to be dependent on the contents of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and LFN (light fraction N). The capacity of the PON pool was contingent upon the total N and EON pools. The reaction rate constant for PON was found to be a function of the acidic ammonium oxalate extracted aluminum content and pH, and the reaction rate constant for EON was observed to be a function of pH. The activation energies for both reactions were found to be constants specific to all soils, respectively. The root mean square error (RMSE) of the model calculation results for measured values from 0 to 409 mg kg−1 was as low as 6.9 mg kg−1, indicating that the model has robust predictive ability across a wide variety of soil types, temperatures, and incubation periods.
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