A review of models for simulating the soil-plant interface for different climatic conditions and land uses in the Loess Plateau, China

Summary

This review examines simulation models of soil-plant interface processes across diverse climatic conditions and land uses in China's Loess Plateau, a region of significant agricultural and hydrological importance. The authors synthesise evidence on model strengths, limitations, and suitability for different environmental contexts, as suggested by the interdisciplinary author team spanning soil science, hydrology, and environmental modelling. The findings are intended to guide selection and improvement of models for predicting soil-plant interactions under variable climate and management scenarios in semi-arid regions.

UK applicability

The Loess Plateau's semi-arid climate and erosion-prone soils differ substantially from most UK agricultural contexts, limiting direct applicability. However, the methodological framework for model evaluation and comparison may inform similar efforts to simulate soil-plant processes under UK conditions, particularly for upland or degraded soils.

Key measures

Model performance metrics for soil-plant processes; applicability across climate zones and land-use types; water and nutrient dynamics at soil-plant interface

Outcomes reported

The study reviewed and compared various models simulating soil-plant interactions under different climatic conditions and land-use scenarios on the Loess Plateau. It evaluated model performance and applicability for predicting water, nutrient, and carbon cycling at the soil-plant interface.

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