Optimizing simulation models of agricultural systems

Abstract

Agricultural systems vary widely in terms of scale, scope and purpose. Managers of thesereal-world systems are typically faced with a multitude of alternative management optionsand strategies, and are turning more towards simulation models in an attempt to evaluatethese and identify the optimal combination. From a modelling perspective, agriculturalsystems present a range of problems which need to be addressed, and these are outlinedwith examples. General conclusions are drawn on which of the available methodologies aremost likely to be successful for users.