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HERMES2Go

A simulation model for N-dynamics in arable fields and water protection areas

by K. C. Kersebaum

The model HERMES [Kersebaum 1995] was developed for the simulation of N dynamics in agricultural plant-soil-systems. The model simulates soil water, soil temperature, and N dynamics as well as crop growth and development and N uptake by the crop. It considers processes of evaporation/transpiration, water, heat, and nitrate transport in the soil, net N mineralisation, denitrification and crop biomass development and its distribution to crop organs. The N demand is determined by biomass production and crop phenological development, the N uptake is limited by N availability in the soil. Water and N deficiency causes growth reduction for the virtual crop.

The generic plant growth model for annual crops implemented in the HERMES model allows the simulation of different crops, which are parameterized by external crop parameter files. The parameter files included in the model package were proved at single experimental data. However, they are not directly transferable to any other variety. Therefore, the user has to adapt them carefully by editing the files with a simple text editor.

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The code in this repository is a re-write of the original HERMES in Go. It was a goal to keep its behavior as close as possible to the original HERMES.