This seminar is part of the Tuesday Seminar Series organized by the Center for Hydrogeology and Geothermics (CHYN) at the University of Neuchâtel. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Alejandro Romero-Ruiz from the University of Neuchâtel, who will speak about spatiotemporal monitoring and modelling of soil compaction in agricultural soils.

Abstract
Soil compaction is an increasing soil threat due to agricultural intensification, negatively affecting both agricultural production and soil environmental functions. Yet, quantifying soil compaction spatio-temporal effects on soil functions remains challenging. In this talk, I will describe a strategy to address this challenge based on the couple modelling of soil compaction and agroecosystem functioning. To illustrate this, I will present (1) a modelling study estimating effects of soil compaction for a 20-year-long period on: crop yield (decreased by up 30%), and carbon stocks (decreased by up to 1.8%), and (2) a case study of a dairy farm where, further assisted by GPS tracking of cattle movement, the modelling framework predicted field-scale impacts of grazing in nitrous oxide emissions (250% higher when compacted). The modelling results presented here offer a first glance on estimating long-term potential adverse impacts of soil compaction on key soil (dis)services and in response to management.