Dear authors,

your manuscript has now been assessed by three expert reviewers, who made a range of very useful comments. Based on your response, I will consider the publication of the manuscript after major revisions (which means that I will send out the manuscript to reviewers again).

Please, carefully revise your manuscript, specifically with regard to the follwing points:
(i) please, include a detailed discussion of the advantages of the model as pointed out by both revieer 1 and 2,
(ii) I agree with reviewer 2 that the model description can be improved. The model description should also be accessible to modellers outside the immediate area of reserach and other scientists interested in SOM turnover,
(iii) as reviewer 3 pointed out, the older literature must be better included in your manuscript.

I am looking forward to seeing your revised manuscrip!

Best regards,
Andreas Richter

Dear authors,

I have now received a report from one reviewers, who indicated that the manuscript has improved to an extend that it can be published subject to minor revisions. He pointed out a few points that should be corrected. I fully agree with his suggestions. So please, revise the masnuscript as suggested .

Thank you!
Andreas Richter

Dear authors,

thank you very much for your careful revisions. Your manuscript is now ready for publication in Biogeosciences.

Best wishes,
Andreas Richter