Soils are complex systems in which a large number of physical, chemical and biological processes interact at different spatial scales. The various soil functions result from these interactions. Models for describing the dynamics of soil functions in response to management measures or climatic changes need to represent the relevant soil processes and their interactions. In BonaRes, we are developing a systemic model approach in which biotic and abiotic processes in soils are linked with each other via mathematical process descriptions in accordance with our current state of knowledge.
Thus, a network of interactions is created that reproduces the complex behavior of the soil as realistically as possible. This includes the non-linear dynamics of soil properties, their convergence towards stable states but also their instability in response to external disturbances.

This modeling approach is a useful tool in several aspects:

1. It allows the prediction of the effects of agricultural practices on soil functions.

2. The need for current research to improve our understanding of the system can be
   identified more effectively.

3. The relevance of individual processes for the overall system can be assessed.