Keywords
farming systems modelling, apsim, simulation modelling
Start Date
1-7-2006 12:00 AM
Abstract
The Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) is a mature and stable modelling framework used widely in Australia in the domain of farming systems research and extension. It is capable of simulating a diverse range of farming systems including broad acre dryland and irrigated cropping, small holder farming, on-farm agroforestry systems including the interaction of trees and crops, and through collaboration with other groups, integrated stock and cropping enterprises. APSIM was developed primarily as a research tool to investigate on-farm management practices, natural resource issues including salinity and solute movement, climate risk studies looking at modifying farm practices and climate change scenarios to name but a few. In recent times commercialisation activities seek to bring the power of APSIM directly to consultants and farmers in a useful way. This paper details APSIM s construction over the past 15 years including its conception, specification, construction, performance and usage. APSIM s development is very much a collaborative effort between multiple organisations and involves numerous scientists, modellers and software developers. Even though APSIM s development continues, this paper chronicles the development effort to date and details some of the lessons learnt along the way.
The development of a farming systems model (APSIM) a disciplined approach.
The Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) is a mature and stable modelling framework used widely in Australia in the domain of farming systems research and extension. It is capable of simulating a diverse range of farming systems including broad acre dryland and irrigated cropping, small holder farming, on-farm agroforestry systems including the interaction of trees and crops, and through collaboration with other groups, integrated stock and cropping enterprises. APSIM was developed primarily as a research tool to investigate on-farm management practices, natural resource issues including salinity and solute movement, climate risk studies looking at modifying farm practices and climate change scenarios to name but a few. In recent times commercialisation activities seek to bring the power of APSIM directly to consultants and farmers in a useful way. This paper details APSIM s construction over the past 15 years including its conception, specification, construction, performance and usage. APSIM s development is very much a collaborative effort between multiple organisations and involves numerous scientists, modellers and software developers. Even though APSIM s development continues, this paper chronicles the development effort to date and details some of the lessons learnt along the way.
