Modelling terrestrial systems
We work on modelling of terrestrial processes across scales, including biogeochemical and bioenergetic soil modelling, functional-structural plant modelling, crop modelling, agroecosystem modelling, land surface modelling, hydrological modelling and integrated atmosphere-land surface-subsurface modelling. Wefocus on the simulation of the coupled water, energy, carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycles and the accurate representation of terrestrial states like groundwater levels, soil moisture, soil temperature, crop yield and vegetation biomass, as well as fluxes like evapotranspiration, greenhouse gas exchanges between land and atmosphere, and river discharge. We are particularly interested in enhancing the accuracy of simulations by integrating models with remote sensing and in-situ measurements, utilizing data assimilation, inverse modelling, and machine learning methods.Applications range from point to continental scale (Europe, Africa), from near real-time forecasts to long-term projections as well as reconstructions for longer time periods in the past, and for water resources assessment, agricultural water management, crop ideotyping, climate and land use change impact modelling, greenhouse gas inventories, forecasting of hydrometeorological extremes and ecosystem reanalysis.
Soil-, root systems and rhizosphere processes
The aim of the research unit "Soil, -root systems and rhizosphere processes" is to contribute to the improvement of our understanding of soil-root interactions through combined use of mathematical modelling and non-invasive methods of soil-root systems analysis.
Functional structural modelling of crop systems
In days of global climate change and population growth, the demand on food production is ever increasing. In order to be able to feed the future world population, plant scientists and agronomists need to find new ways to produce more with less resources.
Stochastic analysis of terrestrial systems
This research topic focuses on the merging of terrestrial model predictions and terrestrial measurement data, using inverse modelling and data assimilation methods.
Modelling and management of catchments
This group focuses on the development of models for balancing and forecasting water and nutrient fluxes on the level of Federal States and river basins, enabling scientific support for the emerging issues of water policies in Germany and beyond, e.g. for implementing the EU water framework directive.
Integrated Modelling of Terrestrial Systems
Developing and applying integrated physics-based simulation platforms, we strive ultimately for better quantitative predictions of, for example, moisture and energy fluxes, and greenhouse gas emissions. These include uncertainty estimates by combining modelling with measured data and remote sensing information in various inversion frameworks.
Soil systems modeling
Soil systems modeling contributes to a better understanding of the response of agroecosystems to climate change and other environmental threats
The aim of the research unit "Soil, -root systems and rhizosphere processes" is to contribute to the improvement of our understanding of soil-root interactions through combined use of mathematical modelling and non-invasive methods of soil-root systems analysis.
