22 Oct 2010 13:30
Unit:
Wageningen University
Location:
Aula, building 362, Gen. Foulkesweg 1, Wageningen
Organisation:
Wageningen University
Promotor:
prof. dr ir H van Keulen, Jacques Wery (CIRAD-INRA-SUPAGRO)
Co Promotor:
Peter Leffelaar, Frank Ewert (University of Bonn)
A framework to introduce flexibility in crop modelling
This thesis is an account of the development and use of a framework to introduce flexibility in crop modelling. The construction of such a framework is supported by two main beams: the implementation and the modelling beam. I first explain what is required for the implementation beam of the framework (creating flexibility), building a library of modules representing the basic crop growth and development processes and a library of crop models (i.e. combination of modules). Then, I define how to deal with this flexibility and more specifically I describe systematic approaches (i.e. modelling beam) to facilitate the selection of the appropriate modules for a specific simulation objective. I stress the need for better documentation of the modules and of the criteria applied in the selection of these modules. Such documentation helps to point out the sources of uncertainties associated with the development of crop models and to reinforce the role of the crop modeller as an intermediary between the software engineer, coding the modules, and the end users, using the model for a specific objective. The main prospects of such a framework are for better understanding in crop physiology through easier testing of alternatives hypotheses, and for ease of model reuse for integrated studies.