A simulation model for physical soil ripening in the IJsselmeerpolders

Information on the quality of the soil is indispensable when determining the desirtability of reclaiming a particular area. Cost-benefit analysis are impossible without some idea of the potential of the soil that is being considered for reclamation. For unripe soil a distinction must be made between its actual and its potential suitability for the envisaged purpose. The report includes: description of the physical ripening process (in the IJsselmeerpolders) ; problems in the determination of relevant parameters ; numerical simulation of the physcal ripening proces ; validation and use of the model ; limitations of the model ; summary ; list of symbols ; references.