Rothamsted Carbon Model (ROTHC)

Welcome to the RothC download page.

Thank you for your interest in the model.

RothC is a model for the turnover of organic carbon in non-waterlogged topsoils that allows for the effects of soil type, temperature, moisture content and plant cover on the turnover process. It uses a monthly time step to calculate total organic carbon (t ha-1), microbial biomass carbon (t ha-1) and ∆14C (from which the equivalent radiocarbon age of the soil can be calculated) on a years to centuries timescale. 

 You can download the Fortran code, python code or windows visual basic interface using the links below:

• RothC Fortran code (Apache licence) 

• RothC python code (Apache licence)

• RothC windows visual basic interface 

We offer RothC training for individuals and small groups either in person or online (see below). 

Useful documents:  

• Windows visual basic interface installation guide

• Description of the model 

• Summary data requirements 

We make the RothC code available as a public good, with as few restrictions as possible, to encourage scientific enquiry, collaboration, and innovation. RothC is available under an Apache Licence 2.0.

If you use RothC in published or unpublished work, we request you complete the webform below and cite the relevant doi. This is because understanding where and how RothC is being used helps us to report impact to our funders, including the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) of the United Kingdom who provide core strategic funding to Rothamsted Research.

For more information about RothC, please contact Kevin Coleman.

Training in RothC

We offer tailored RothC training to meet your needs, this will include information on the data needed to run the model, the structure of the model, and how to correctly run the model with your data. 

Format (2 day course, 1-3 people)

• 1 hour to discuss data format and data requirements
• 2 days of training (could be spread across several days)
• Up to 7 hours aftercare/ support (given this may not all be needed we cost this as a working day of support). This is valid for up to a year.

For more information on pricing and any other questions, please contact the RothC training team:

rothc.training@rothamsted.ac.uk ​