Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
the soil, the atmosphere and the plants that live in it. A change
or alteration of one element may yield both desirable and
undesirable consequences. Minimising the undesirable, while
reaching the desired end result is the principal aim of the agro-
meteorologists. In any engineering work related to agricultural
meteorology, the use of mathematical modelling is essential.
Of the different modelling techniques, mathematical modelling
enables one to predict the behaviour of design while keeping
the expense at a minimum. Agricultural systems are basically
modified ecosystems. Managing these systems is very difficult
(Hoogenboom et al., 1999). These systems are influenced by the
weather both in length and breadth. So, these have to be man-
aged through systems models, which are possible only through
classical engineering expertise. A simple example of a simula-
tion model has been presented in Figure 3.1.
In the mid-1960s, crop simulation models integrated knowl-
edge of physiological processes and morphological traits to
help explain yield formation in environments varying in physi-
cal, biological and agronomic factors. These simulations can
be used to evaluate key interactions quickly and identify traits
with the greatest impact on yield potential and for assessing the
relationship between crop productivity and environmental fac-
tors. They have been shown to be efficient in determining the
response of crop plants to changes in weather. Examples of such
models include erosion productivity impact calculator (EPIC),
CERES and GAPS. The Sites Network for Agrotechnology
Atmospheric system
Weather, solar, radiation, temperature and humidity
Plant system
Carbon dioxide assimilation
and respiration
Assimilate
transport
Nutrient
transport
Stomata
Hydrature
Plant production and storage
Soil moisture, nutrients
Soil system
FIGURe 3.1
Simple example of a simulation model.
