Modelling of ¹³⁷Cs behaviour in the soil-plant system following the application of ameliorants

Russian Institute of Agricultural Radiology and Agroecology, 249020 Obninsk, Russia

Abstract

A set of countermeasures aimed at reducing ¹³⁷Cs uptake by plant products includes agrochemical measures based on changes in the soil properties after the application of ameliorants. The dynamic models for studying the effect of the application of potassium fertilizers and dolomite powder on ¹³⁷Cs accumulation in plants are presented. Conceptual approaches to the development of models are based on the identification of mechanisms governing a complex of physico-chemical processes in soil after the use of ameliorants. The developed models were parameterized for soils of the coniferous forest located in the Bryansk region in area suffered from the radioactive fallout after the Chernobyl accident. Effects of ameliorants and time of their application on ¹³⁷Cs behaviour in the soil-plant system are assessed. The contribution of soil chemical and biological processes to the decrease in the radionuclide uptake by plants is estimated.