In areas of transported overburden there is frequently a weak relationship between soil and the underlying mineralized bedrock. Vegetation has the capability to absorb metals from the underlying substrate via its extensive root systems. These metals are translocated to the various organs of the plant such as leaves, twigs bark and roots without negatively impacting on the normal functioning of the plant. The analysis of the vegetation may therefore be used to locate deeply buried mineral targets. The main focus of this investigation was to determine the suitability of A. karroo and B. albitrunca for biogeochemical prospecting for gold in the Blue Dot Mine area. The appraisal of the suitability for both plant species requires an understanding of element absorption and distribution patterns in relation to variable composition of bedrock and associated underlying gold mineralization.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of North Carolina Wilmington, 2008. / Title from PDF title page (October 20, 2008) Includes bibliographical references (p. 101-106)

We propose a new method to integrate genome-scale metabolic models into biogeochemical reaction modeling. This method predicts rates of microbial metabolisms by combining flux balance analysis (FBA) with microbial rate laws. We applied this new hybrid method to methanogenesis by Methanosarcina barkeri. Our results show that the new method predicts well the progress of acetoclastic, methanol, and diauxic metabolism by M. barkeri. The hybrid method represents an improvement over dynamic FBA. We validated genome-scale metabolic models of Methanosarcina barkeri, Methanosarcina acetivorans, Geobacter metallireducens, Shewanella oneidensis, Shewanella putrefaciens and Shewanella sp. MR4 for application to biogeochemical modeling. FBA was used to predict the response of cell metabolism, and ATP and biomass yield. Our analysis provides improvements to these models for the purpose of applications to natural environments. / 2019-07-28

Les déchets sulfurés issus de l’extraction des minerais métalliques génèrent des drainages miniers acides (DMA) contenant des éléments toxiques tels que l’arsenic. Les procédés de traitement passifs basés sur l’oxydation bactérienne du fer et de l’arsenic, en favorisant la précipitation de ces éléments sous une forme stable, pourraient représenter une solution efficace et économique pour traiter cette pollution. Dans ce contexte, l’objectif général de cette thèse était de mieux comprendre les facteurs environnementaux et opérationnels qui contrôlent l’efficacité d’élimination de l’arsenic. Une approche en pilote à flux continu a été mise en oeuvre afin de se rapprocher des conditions réelles d’un traitement. L’étude a été conduite d’abord à l’échelle d’un bioréacteur de paillasse en conditions contrôlées (température, lumière, débit, temps de séjour et hauteur d’eau), puis dans un dispositif de taille supérieure, fonctionnant de manière totalement passive et in situ. Ces dispositifs ont été alimentés avec de l’eau d’un DMA riche en arsenic, issue de l’ancien site minier de Carnoulès, dans le Gard. Les caractéristiques de l’eau et des bioprécipités au sein de ces pilotes, en particulier le rédox du fer et de l’arsenic, ont été suivis dans différentes conditions environnementales et d’opération par des méthodes de spéciation liquide et solide (HPLC-ICP-MS, EXAFS, XANES), des analyses minéralogiques (DRX) et des analyses microbiologiques (ARISA, séquençage haut débit du gène de l'ARNr 16S, quantification du gène aioA). Les résultats issus des expériences en laboratoire ont mis en évidence l’effet de différents paramètres opérationnels (hauteur d’eau, temps de rétention hydraulique, et présence/absence d’une pellicule flottante) sur les performances du traitement, ainsi que sur la microbiologie et la minéralogie des bioprécipités formés. Le dispositif de terrain a permis de tester les performances du procédé dans des conditions environnementales fluctuantes (variabilité de la physico-chimie de l’eau d’entrée et de la température) et d’acquérir des connaissances nouvelles sur l’évolution des bioprécipités au cours de six mois de traitement. Les connaissances acquises dans cette thèse pourront servir de base à la conception d’une étape d’élimination de l’arsenic dans les processus de traitement des DMA. / Acid mine drainage (AMD) are produced by sulfuric tailings from mining of metal ores. They are characterized by high contents of toxic elements like arsenic. One efficient and economical solution for the treatment of As in these tailings could be the use of a passive method based on iron and arsenic bacterial oxidation, and the subsequent precipitation of these elements in a stable form. In this context, the objective of this PhD thesis was to better understand the environmental and operational factors controlling the efficiency of As removal processes. A continuous-flow pilot approach was implemented in order to better reproduce the real treatment conditions. This study was first performed in a bench-scale bioreactor with controlled conditions (temperature, light, flow, residence time and water height). Then, it was performed in a field-scale bioreactor installed in situ, reproducing a passive treatment in real conditions. These devices were fed with As-rich AMD waters from the ancient mine of Carnoulès (Gard, France). Water and bioprecipitate properties were monitored in both devices, specially the redox speciation of iron and arsenic. This monitoring was held for different environmental and operational conditions. Iron and arsenic speciation in liquid and solid phases was measured by different analytical techniques such as HPLC-ICP-MS, EXAFS and XANES. Mineral identification was made by XRD analysis, while microbiological characterization was made by ARISA, high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene, and aioA gene quantification. Results from the lab-scale experiments evidenced the effects of the different operational parameters (water height, hydraulic retention time and the presence/absence of a floating film) on the treatment performance, as well as on the microbiology and mineralogy of the produced bioprecipitates. The field device was used to test the treatment performance under fluctuating environmental conditions (variability of the physico-chemistry of the feed water and of the temperature) and to gain new knowledge about the evolution of the bioprecipitates during six months of treatment. All the knowledge acquired in this PhD thesis could serve as a basis for the design of an arsenic removal stage in DMA treatment processes.

Subsequent to the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), complex coastal response resulted from deglaciation, eustatic sea-level change, and a relatively thin, flexible lithosphere in the Queen Charlotte Islands (QCI) region of northwestern Canada. Presented here is an interdisciplinary study that combines the methodologies and schools of thought from geology, biology, and geography to address a research problem that spans these disciplines, specifically to illustrate the environment, temporal and spatial dimensions of isostatic crustal adjustment and the Late Quaternary coastline of the northeast Pacific continental shelf. Molluscan distribution, lithology, and published sub-bottom profiles are used to deduce sea-levels, outline the influence of glacially-induced crustal displacement, and reconstruct the paleoenvironment of the northeast Pacific Late Quaternary coastline, including the absence of ice and the presence of emergent coastal plains. These data are used to ascertain the region's suitability as a home for an early migrating coastal people. A series of paleogeographic maps and isostatic crustal displacement maps chart the sequence of evolving landscapes and display temporal changes in the magnitudes and extent of crustal flexure as a forebulge developed. The wave-length and amplitude of the glacially-induced forebulge supports thermal and refraction modeling of a thin (~25 km thick) lithosphere beneath Queen Charlotte (QC) Sound and Hecate Strait. Glacial ice at least 200 m thicker than present water depth began retreating from Dixon Entrance after 14,000 and prior to 12,640 14C years BP, generating 50 m of uplift in northern Hecate Strait. The position of the forebulge remained essentially constant after 12,750 14C years BP, implying a fixed ice-front and continued ice presence on the British Columbia (BC) mainland until ~10,000 14C years BP. A 3-dimensional model shows two ice-free terrains emerged: one extended eastward from the QCI, the other developed in QC Sound. By ~11,750 14C years BP a landbridge connected the BC mainland and QCI. Malacological evidence indicates a paucity of Arctic molluscan faima subsequent to glaciation, perhaps a consequence of shallow, narrowed straits, and the presence of ice sheets that interfered with ocean currents. Water temperature, sedimentation rates, turbidity, and photoperiod are factors that limited invertebrate colonization during the Late Pleistocene - Early Holocene. The oldest dated mollusc to colonize QCI region subsequent to LGM was Macoma nasuta at 13,210 14C years BP. Once habitat and sea-surface temperatures were conducive, rates of recolonization appear to be limited only by the availability of ocean currents to bring temperate pelagic larvae into the region from outlying areas. Between ~11,000 and 10,000 14C years BP the appearance of Clinocardium ciliatum and Serripes groenlandicus, concurrent with the disappearance, or significant reduction in number and productivity of temperate intertidal molluscs, indicates the onset of a short interval of cool sea-surface temperatures coincident with the Younger Dryas cooling event. Five molluscan species: Macoma incongrua, Musculus taylori (cf), Mytilimeria nuttallii, Tellina nucidoides, Mytilus edulis/Mytilus trossulus previously categorized as possessing a Recent geologic range were collected in sediments dating older than 10,000 14C years BP. Fossil mollusc shells indicate edible intertidal biomass densities well within commercially harvested levels on southern Moresby Island by 8,800 14C years BP, and on northern Graham Island by 8,990 14C years BP. The presence and productivity of nutritious intertidal molluscs indicates the QCI region had a suitable climate, possessed open ocean conditions, and provided subsistence resources for potential early humans subsequent to at least 13,210 14C years BP. Three-dimensional modeling shows subaerially exposed land that could have been inhabited by plants, animals, including coastal-migrating early humans. Early coastlines that have not been drowned, and which may harbour early archaeological sites, are identified along the western and northern coasts of QCI and the BC mainland. / Graduate

Este trabalho teve como proposta principal avaliar os efeitos de ações antrópicas sobre sistemas estuarinos com base no balanço biogeoquímico entre as formas de nutrientes (N, P e Si). Foram estudados dois sistemas estuarinos localizados em pontos extremos da costa, um no nordeste, o estuário do Rio Jaguaribe, no Ceará, e outro no sudeste, o complexo estuarino-lagunar de Cananéia e Iguape, em São Paulo. Estes sistemas estão sob os diferentes regimes climáticos e o estudo envolveu: aspectos dos períodos de seca e chuva nos dois locais; o efeito da maré; e, o aporte de águas doces quer sob a forma de chuva, quer via drenagem continental e barragens. A influência antrópica mostrou a ação sobre o excesso de silício nos dois sistemas. O fósforo foi o elemento dissolvido que recebeu maior ação neutralizadora, sendo \"tamponado\" de forma que não ofereceu sinais de eutrofização. Este não é o caso das formas nitrogenadas, que mostraram uma assinatura relativa às atividades antrópicas que mais impactam cada região. No caso do Rio Jaguaribe, o aporte de matéria orgânica e de nutrientes via atividade de carcinicultura colaborou ao destaque na forma de N-amoniacal nas águas do médio e baixo estuário, onde se localizam as fazendas de carcinicultura. Os sinais mais acima no sistema estiveram ligados aos aportes via barragem e da cidade de Aracati. No caso do complexo estuarino-lagunar de Cananéia e Iguape, o nitrato recebeu destaque junto aos aportes do Rio Ribeira de Iguape, por meio do Valo Grande, representando a drenagem de zonas agrícolas. A parte sul do sistema, Cananéia, mostrou um equilíbrio entre as formas nitrogenadas, bastante naturais, dando suporte à produção primária de populações comuns a ambientes estuarinos, enquanto que, os valores de pigmentos fotossintetizantes, mostraram que a composição das comunidades fitoplanctônicas se adapta às condições abióticas do corpo hídrico. Há produção em todos os locais, porém com distinção entre as comunidades fitoplanctônicas. Ocorreu influência sazonal e a degradação de biomassa vegetal, muitas vezes somadas as influências de feopigmentos de comunidades das margens. O diagnóstico feito com o Programa ASSETS é baseado em carga de nitrogênio, valores de clorofila e presença de macroalgas, contudo o equilíbrio entre os nutrientes pode ser uma excelente ferramenta na avaliação ambiental. / The main proposal of this work was to evaluate the effects of anthropic actions upon estuarine systems, based on biogeochemical balance between forms of nutrients (N, P and Si). Two estuarine systems were studied, localized in extreme points of the coast, one in northeast, Jaguaribe River estuary, in Ceará, and the other in southeast, Cananéia-Iguape estuarine-lagoon complex, in São Paulo. These systems are under different climatic patterns and the study involved: aspects of dry and rainy periods in both locations; tide effects; and fresh water inputs, either in the form of rain, or via continental drainage and dams. The anthropic influence showed action upon the excess of silicon in both systems. Phosphorus was the dissolved element that suffered bigger neutralizing action, being buffered, and so, didn\'t show signals of eutrophication. That is not the case of nitrogen\'s forms, they showed a signature related to anthropic activities that impact each region the most. In the case of Jaguaribe River, the input of organic matter and nutrients, due to shrimp farms activities, contributed to prominent N-ammonium form in medium and lower estuary waters, where shrimp farms are located; the signals in upper estuary were connected to inputs via dam and Aracati city. In the case of Cananéia-Iguape estuarine-lagoon complex, the form nitrate was highlighted by the inputs of Ribeira de Iguape River, through Valo Grande, representing agricultural areas drainage. The south part of the system, Cananéia, showed a quite natural balance between the nitrogen forms, supporting primary production of populations common to the estuarine environment. Meanwhile, values of photosynthetic pigments showed that the composition of planktonic communities adapt itself to the abiotic conditions of the water body. There is production everywhere, but with distinctions between the communities. Seasonal influence occurred, and also degradation of microscopic vegetal biomass, often added to influence of pheopigments of margin communities. The diagnosis made by ASSETS Program is based on nitrogen input, values of chlorophyll and macroalgae presence; nevertheless the equilibrium between nutrients can be an excellent tool for environmental evaluation

Este estudo teve como objetivo conhecer a dinâmica do ciclo biogeoquímico do fósforo (P) (fases dissolvidas e particuladas) no Complexo estuarino-lagunar de Cananéia-Iguape considerando a influencia antrópica causada pela abertura do canal do Valo Grande e as possíveis diferenças no fluxo bêntico de PID. Foram observados valores de P dissolvido e particulado superiores no setor norte (Iguape) indicando a influência do aporte do Valo Grande ao estuário. As concentrações de P no sedimento foram maiores também no norte, sendo dominada pela fração inorgânica. Nas estações fixas de Cananéia (verão e inverno), a influência da maré foi evidente, enquanto em Iguape não foi observado sinal considerável. O fluxo do PID observado nas campânulas bênticas foi negativo indicando a remoção para o sedimento, consequente retenção do P neste compartimento. O Valo Grande influenciou o ciclo biogeoquímico do P na região, de forma mais acentuada ao norte do sistema e, a fração particulada em suspensão foi a forma que mostrou maior potencial para exportação de P para o oceano adjacente. O estudo do ciclo biogeoquímico do P em sistemas estuarinos constitui uma excelente ferramenta para o diagnóstico da qualidade ambiental, auxiliando também, os gestores ambientais em suas ações de preservação e manejo. / This study aims to know the dynamic of phosphorus biogeochemical cycle (P) (dissolved and particulate forms) in Cananéia-Iguape Estuarine-Lagoon Complex, considering the anthropogenic influence caused by the opening of Valo Grande channel and the possible differences in DIP benthic flux. Higher values of dissolved and particulate P were observed in the northern sector (Iguape), indicating the influence of the Valo Grande contribution to the estuary. P concentrations in sediment were also higher in the north, and the inorganic fraction prevailed. In Cananéia\'s fixed stations (summer and winter), the influence of the tide was evident, while in Iguape an extensive signal was not observed. The DIP flux observed in the benthic chambers was negative, indicating the removal to the sediment, and therefore the retention of P in this compartment. The Valo Grande influenced the P biogeochemical cycle in this region, the north of the system in a more sharply way. The suspended particulate P form showed the biggest potential to exportation of P to the adjacent ocean. The study of P biogeochemical cycle in estuarine systems is an excellent tool to diagnose environmental quality, also helping environmental managers in their actions of preservation and management.

Submitted by Haroudo Xavier Filho (haroudo.xavierfo@ufpe.br) on 2016-04-06T16:47:08Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Dissertação Carolina Rodrigues Gonzalez.pdf: 1642358 bytes, checksum: 3c6e27247b71fe24781e9ffe5a5add91 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-06T16:47:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Dissertação Carolina Rodrigues Gonzalez.pdf: 1642358 bytes, checksum: 3c6e27247b71fe24781e9ffe5a5add91 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-07-30 / CAPES / A matéria orgânica do solo (MOS) é uma componente importante na sustentabilidade dos sistemas nativos e antropizados. A manutenção da MOS é necessária para estabelecer práticas de manejo sustentáveis e que otimizem a produção agropecuária. No semiárido brasileiro, a maior dificuldade para estabelecer práticas de manejo adequado está na lacuna de conhecimento em relação à dinâmica da MOS sob as variadas condições edafoclimáticas, características da região. A modelagem dos processos biogeoquímicos é uma importante ferramenta que permite a compreensão da dinâmica da MOS no sistema solo-planta de forma prática, além de permitir projetar cenários futuros e, assim, embasar tomadas de decisões. O modelo CENTURY tem sido utilizado em vários ecossistemas e em diversos tipos de uso da terra para simular a ciclagem biogeoquímica de carbono, nutrientes e água. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho do modelo previamente calibrado para uma área de catinga no município de Santa Teresinha, PB, para simular os estoques de C e N em áreas de caatinga densa na região semiárida de Pernambuco. Para isso, foram utilizadas as informações dos estoques de C e N no solo e na vegetação coletados em áreas de caatinga sob seis classes de solo (Planossolo, Argissolo, Neossolo Litólico, Neossolo Regolítico, Luvissolo e Latossolo), em 25 pontos distribuídos pelo Agreste e Sertão de Pernambuco. O modelo previamente calibrado por Althoff (2015), foi rodado para as áreas de caatinga densa selecionadas, com alterações apenas nos valores característicos de cada local como dados históricos de temperatura e precipitação mensais médias, coordenadas geográficas, textura, densidade, profundidade e o conteúdo de rochas do solo. Os principais dados de saída avaliados foram os estoques de C e N no solo e o carbono na biomassa aérea e subterrânea. O modelo demonstrou melhor desempenho para simular o estoque de C no solo (0-20 cm) em áreas de caatinga densa no sertão oeste de Pernambuco. Ajustes no modelo resultaram em melhorias na simulação do estoque no solo no agreste. Os resultados mostram que o modelo calibrado para uma região específica da caatinga possui abrangência limitada. Portanto, há a necessidade de mais esforços para calibração do modelo com capacidade de simulação mais ampla dos estoques em outras áreas da caatinga. / Soil organic matter (SOM) is an important component to ensure the sustainability of native and anthropogenic systems. Maintaining of the SOM levels is important to establish sustainable management practices and to improve agricultural production. In the Brazilian semiarid region, the greatest difficulty to establish proper management practices is the lack of knowledge about the dynamics of SOM under different soil and climatic conditions that are characteristics of the region. The modeling of biogeochemical processes is an important tool for the SOM dynamics understanding in the soil-plant system in a practical way, and allows project future scenarios and thus to base public decisions. The CENTURY model demonstrated efficiency in simulate conditions in various ecosystems and different types of land use to simulate the carbon biogeochemical cycling, nutrients and water. The present study aimed to evaluate the performance of the model that were calibrated for a “caatinga” site in Santa Teresinha, PB, in simulate the stocks of C and N in areas of dense scrub in the semiarid region of the Pernambuco state. For this study, we used the information of C and N stocks in soil and vegetation collected in areas of “caatinga” under six soil classes (Planosol, Argisol Udorthent, Entisol, Luvisol and Latosol), 25 points distributed by Wasteland and Hinterland of Pernambuco. We used the model previously calibrated by Althoff (2015), and we run it in the areas of dense scrub selected. We changes only the specific characteristics values of each site, like historical temperature and average monthly rainfall, geographic coordinates, texture, density, depth and content soil rocks. The main data of this output were the stocks of C and N in the soil and the carbon in the shoot and root biomass. The model showed better performance to simulate the stock of C in the soil (0-20 cm) in areas of dense scrub in western hinterlands of Pernambuco. Adjustments in the model results in improvements in the simulation of the stock on the ground in the wild. Century model calibrated for a specific region of the savanna has limited scope. So is needed more efforts to model calibration with larger capacity of simulate stocks in other areas of the savanna.

No description available.

A l'interface des échanges sol-plante-atmosphère, la couche supérieure du sol contient la plus grande réserve de carbone organique (Corg) et d'azote (N) potentiellement disponible pour la croissance des plantes, elle joue un rôle fondamental dans la nutrition et l'équilibre de la planète.Dans les sols Tunisiens, une première quantification de N, faisant suite à celle de Corg, nous a permis de mettre en évidence une fragilité des réserves, et la nécessité de managements préservatifs des terres et des pratiques agricoles. Nous nous sommes alors rapprochés des nombreuses études de modélisation des variations de stocks de Corg et N suite à des changements d'usage. Cependant, la majorité des références publiées concernait les évolutions globales à moyen ou plus long terme (de plusieurs années à plusieurs décades) et manquaient de précision sur la prédiction mécaniste des transferts journaliers entre les plantes, les compartiments du sol et l'atmosphère. Selon nous et d'autres auteurs, ces études ne prenaient pas suffisamment en compte le rôle crucial des micro-organismes dans les échanges. Ceci nous a orientés vers le modèle MOMOS centré sur l'écologie fonctionnelle de la biomasse microbienne (BM), avec des paramètres pour sa croissance, sa mortalité, et sa respiration étroitement liés aux conditions climatiques, édaphiques, et culturales.L'objectif était d'étudier à court terme les cycles Corg et N dans les systèmes complexes de production céréalière intensifiés par couplage avec des légumineuses à graines fixatrices d'azote en milieu méditerranéen. Il comportait deux défis : (i) coupler les équations de décomposition avec des modules d'eau du sol, et de production végétale vers un nouvel outil pour l'agro-écologie et le changement global (ii) faire tourner l'ensemble en milieu méditerranéen calcaire, avec des équations proposées et validées en milieu tropical acide.Le dispositif agronomique comportait des associations comparées à des rotations blé dur-féverole en culture biologique sans fertilisation depuis treize ans. Les simulations ont été trouvées en bonne concordance avec les données mesurées et celles de la littérature. Croissances végétales et fonctionnement microbien apparaissent prédits par les mêmes fonctions climatiques et co-limités par la température en hiver et l'humidité en été. Dans les parcelles expérimentales peu fertiles, la plus grande part de Corg photo synthétisé était modélisée comme allouée aux racines et perdue pour les parties aériennes et le rendement des récoltes. Ces pertes étaient simulées vers la respiration de croissance des racines de céréales, probablement pour la recherche des nutriments, et la mortalité des racines de légumineuses alimentant la croissance des décomposeurs et peut-être des symbiotes fixateurs d'azote. Au total, le système de culture associée était modélisé comme un puits de plus 4 Mg Corg ha-1 durant la saison culturale, mais uniquement dans Corg labile d'origine microbienne. Ce compartiment était aussi simulé comme la principale réserve de N potentiellement disponible pour les organismes vivants, très supérieure à celle des micro-organismes, elle-même supérieure à celle de la céréale et égale à celle de la légumineuse. La modélisation des échanges microbiens avec N minéral montrait une immobilisation nette d'azote juste compensée par la fixation symbiotique. Elle a permis de mieux comprendre les flux de Corg et N entre atmosphère, légumineuse, micro-organismes et céréale et de proposer des solutions agronomiques pour l'amélioration des systèmes de culture en association ou rotation. / At the interface of soil-plant-atmosphere exchanges, the top layer of soil contains the largest part of organic carbon (Corg) and nitrogen (N) potentially available for plant growth; this soil layer plays a fundamental role in nutrition and equilibrium of earth.In Tunisians soils, a first quantification of N, following that of Corg, has allowed us to highlight the fragility of the reserves, and the need of conservation managements of lands and improvement of agricultural practices.Many studies of literature data try to model the changes of Corg and N stocks due to land use changes. However, most of the published references concern overall trends at medium or longer term (several years to several decades) and lack of precision in mechanistic prediction of daily transfers between plants, soil compartments and the atmosphere. Conjointly with other authors we think that the published studies do not take sufficient account of the crucial role of microorganisms in the exchange modelling. This directed us to the MOMOS model centered on the functional ecology of microbial biomass (MB), with parameters for growth, mortality and respiration of MB, closely related to climate, soil conditions and the quality of organic inputs.Our objective was to study the Corg and N cycles during a cropping season in complex cereal-legume systems for intensification by symbiotic N fixation in the Mediterranean environment. It included two challenges: (i) to couple the equations of decomposition with a model of soil water and modules of quantitative and qualitative vegetal production toward a new tool for agro-ecology and the global change (ii) to run this tool in Mediterranean calcareous conditions, with equations proposed and validated in tropical acid areas.The agronomic experiment included an intercropping of durum wheat and faba bean compared with pure cropping both managed in organic farming without any fertilizer addition during the last thirteen years. The model predicted ecophysiological parameters in accordance with published references and simulated accurately the measured data. Plant growth and the microbial functioning appear linked to the same climate equations and co-limited by temperature in winter and availability of water in summer. In these unfertile plots, the largest part of Corg photo-synthesized was modelled as allocated to roots and lost for the aerial parts and grain yields. These losses were simulated mainly (i) to increase root respiration of cereal, probably as energy source for root growth in order to find nutrients, and (ii) to increase the mortality of legume roots as energy source for the growth of decomposers and perhaps the growth of symbiotes for fixation of atmospheric N. Overall, the intercropping system was modeled as a sink of over 4 Mg ha-1 of Corg during the growing season, but only in the compartment labile of microbial origin. This compartment was also simulated as the main reserve of N potentially available for living organisms, much higher than N stock of microorganisms, which is itself higher than N stored in the cereal and similar to N stored in the legume. The modeling of microbial exchange with inorganic N showed a net immobilization of N just compensated by the symbiotic fixation. It helped to better understand the flows of Corg and N between atmosphere, legume, microorganisms and cereal, and to propose solutions for improving agricultural cropping systems in combination or rotation.