US EPA

2021661 

Journal Article 

SURFATM-NH3: a model combining the surface energy balance and bi-directional exchanges of ammonia applied at the field scale 

Personne, E; Loubet, B; Herrmann, B; Mattsson, M; Schjoerring, JK; Nemitz, E; Sutton, MA; Cellier, P 

2009 

Yes 

Biogeosciences
ISSN: 1726-4170
EISSN: 1726-4189 

COPERNICUS GESELLSCHAFT MBH 

GOTTINGEN 

6 

8 

1371-1388 

10.5194/bg-6-1371-2009 

WOS:000269405000002 

A new biophysical model SURFATM-NH3, simulating the ammonia (NH(3)) exchange between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere is presented. SURFATM-NH3 consists of two coupled models: (i) an energy budget model and (ii) a pollutant exchange model, which distinguish the soil and plant exchange processes. The model describes the exchanges in terms of adsorption to leaf cuticles and bi-directional transport through leaf stomata and soil. The results of the model are compared with the flux measurements over grassland during the GRAMINAE Integrated Experiment at Braunschweig, Germany. The dataset of GRAMINAE allows the model to be tested in various meteorological and agronomic conditions: prior to cutting, after cutting and then after the application of mineral fertilizer. The whole comparison shows close agreement between model and measurements for energy budget and ammonia fluxes. The major controls on the ground and plant emission potential are the physicochemical parameters for liquid-gas exchanges which are integrated in the compensation points for live leaves, litter and the soil surface. Modelled fluxes are highly sensitive to soil and plant surface temperatures, highlighting the importance of accurate estimates of these terms. The model suggests that the net flux depends not only on the foliar (stomatal) compensation point but also that of leaf litter. SURFATM-NH3 represents a comprehensive approach to studying pollutant exchanges and its link with plant and soil functioning. It also provides a simplified generalised approach (SVAT model) applicable for atmospheric transport models.