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ARS Home » Plains Area » Temple, Texas » Grassland Soil and Water Research Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #133879
Title: A REVIEW ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF CROP MODELING AND ITS APPLICATION

Author
item XIE, YUN - BEIJING NORMAL UNIV
item Kiniry, James

Submitted to: Acta Agronomica Sinica
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/29/2001
Publication Date: 3/20/2002
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: As computers and software have developed in the last 40 years, computer programs to simulate crops (crop models) have evolved, from simple statistical functions to complex programs describing plant processes. These crop models have changed from being theoretical research tools to being practical tools for crop production. Generally, the history of crop modeling can be divided into 3 stages, (1) Widespread model development (1960's to 70's); (2) application of models (1980's); (3) refinement of models with improved vision of their usefulness (1990's). Now simulation models are commonly accepted as tools to evaluate land use and management, for decision-making for crop production, and for assessing environmental impacts of agriculture.

Technical Abstract: With the development of system and computer sciences, crop modeling was born in the 1960's and developed faster and faster afterwards, covering a series of stages from infancy to maturity, from empirical description to process analysis, and from theoretical research to practical application. Generally, the history of crop modeling can be divided into 3 stages, (1) Widespread model development (1960's to 70's); (2) application of models (1980's); (3) refinement of models with improved vision of their usefulness (1990's). Now simulation models are commonly accepted as assessment tools for evaluation land use and management, decision-making for crop production, and assessing environmental impacts of agriculture.