MEGASMOC, modèle et base de données pour représenter les processus physiques et biologiques dans un «tas» de matière organiques

Composting animal manure with natural aeration is a low-cost and low-energy process that can improve nutrient recycling in millions of farms world-wide. Modelling can decrease the cost of choosing the best options for solid manure management in order to decrease the risk of loss of fertilizer value, ammonia or greenhouse gas emissions. Semi-empirical models are suitable, considering the scarce data available in farm situations.A new model was implemented to represent physical and biological processes coupled in a pile considered as homogeneous. The model is based on four modules: biodegradation, nitrogen transformations and volatilization, thermal exchanges, and free air space evolution. Model outputs, such as mass, dry matter content or volume, facilitate field validation.