An approach to modelling the relationship between plant species and site conditions in terrestrial ecosystems

In the Netherlands the increasing demand for hydro-ecological models on a regional (provincial) scale, resulted in the development of an empirical impact-assessment model for terrestrial ecosystems. The model describes the relationship between plant species and site factors such as soil, groundwater and management. Seasonal dynamics are implemented in the model and much attention is paid to the chemistry of water and soil. The model is developed for the region of the province of Noord-Holland and will be applied to support provincial soil and water management.