Soil C models of different complexity are available . Some require a large amount of input data whereas others can be parameterized with commonly available
site data. Rather complex models perform very well for highlyinstrumented
research sites and may be used for the development
of ecological theory. In order to comply with the reporting requirements
for national greenhouse gas budgets and in order to simulate
the SOC dynamics of a large area the user often has to stick to rather
simple models.