Model Systems

Model systems have been constructed to observe nutrients circulation (nitrogen and phosphorus) in partly controlled conditions by passing through various typological ecotonic zones.

Various plant species were used in individual sections in order to analyse which ones of them and during which period they accumulate nitrogen and phosphorus most efficiently by absorbing them from soil solution into their biomass. Analysis of seasonal variability in the N and P contents in plant tissues will be performed for this purpose.

Separating study area from the environment enables to quantify nitrogen and phosphorus migration in water and soil environment, and this will be possible due to installation of piezometer network. A two metre wide belt of flat scarp has been developed above the ecotonic zones in order to simulate arable plot on which nutrients will be dosed by application of mineral fertilisers.