Individual-based modelling of carbon and nitrogen dynamics in soils: Parameterization and sensitivity analysis of microbial components

► The individual-based INDISIM-SOM model is far more sensitive to some parameters than to others. ► Key parameters for the evolution of C and N are microbial maintenance, energy, and death probability. ► The nitrification rate, in particular, appears highly affected by the death probability. ► The sensitivity analysis indicates what simplification of the model is possible. ► It also shows which parameters need to be evaluated with more accuracy than is currently achievable.