Crop modelling

Crop modelling
• Crop models are sets of mathematical equations that represent processes within a
predefined plant system as well as the interactions between crops and the
environment.

• Modelling is an act of mimicry or set of equations which represents the behaviour of

the system.

• Using weather data and other data about the crop environment, these models can
simulate crop development, growth, yield, water, and nutrient uptake.

• Crop models are mathematical algorithms that capture the quantitative information
of agronomy and physiology experiments in a way that can explain and predict crop
growth and development. 
 Models

• A model is a schematic representation of the conception of a system or an act of

mimicry or a set of equations, which represents the behavior of a system.
• “A simplified version of a part of reality, not a one to one copy”.
Depending on purpose for which it is defined, models are classified into
• Statistical models
• Mechanistic models
• Deterministic models
• Stochastic models
• Dynamic models
• Simulation models
 Simulation models

Computer models, in general, are a mathematical representation of a real world

system. One of the main goals of crop simulation models is to estimate agricultural
production as a function of weather and soil conditions as well as crop management.
These models use one or more sets of differential equations, and calculate both rate
and state variables over time, normally from planting until harvest maturity or final
harvest.
Crop modelling platforms
Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM)
Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT)
Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM)
Wageningen crop models
Environmental Policy Integrated Climate model (EPIC)
• Crop models often simulate different aspects of a crop using daily weather
information such as solar radiation, maximum and minimum temperatures, and
rainfall.
• It includes soil characteristics, initial soil conditions, cultivar characteristics, and
crop management.
• Using these different data, the models can simulate the dynamics of crop
development (or phenology), biomass accumulation, yield, water, and nutrient
uptake.
• Crop models help explore dynamics between the atmosphere, crops, and the soil,
and can be used to test quantitative hypotheses against reality
• The Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) is a software
application program that comprises crop simulation models for over 42 crops (as
of Version 4.7.5) as well as tools to facilitate effective use  of the models. The
tools include database management programs for soil, weather, crop management
and experimental data, utilities, and application programs. The crop simulation
models simulate growth, development and yield as a function of the soil-plant-
atmosphere dynamics.