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MODCROP: A Crop Simulation Framework
Author(s) -
Waldman Sue E.,
Rickman Ronald W.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1996.00021962008800020009x
Subject(s) - computer science , interface (matter) , microcomputer , dynamic simulation , simulation language , simulation modeling , metric (unit) , ibm , control (management) , crop simulation model , graphical user interface , mode (computer interface) , ibm pc compatible , interactive simulation , simulation , database , operating system , software , mathematics , engineering , crop , telecommunications , chip , operations management , materials science , mathematical economics , bubble , maximum bubble pressure method , artificial intelligence , forestry , geography , nanotechnology
Dynamic crop simulations are used more and more frequently as research and education tools and to assist in making management decisions. MODCROP is an interface framework for controlling a dynamic simulation that simplifies applying the simulation. The program operates under DOS on an IBM‐compatible microcomputer (PC) with 640k of RAM and a hard disk drive. Although a math coprocessor is desirable, it is not required. It is constructed from modules written in Quick‐BASIC. Most of the modules can be reused without modification to provide user interface, data input, and data output services to compatible simulations. The framework allows data input or output in either metric or English units. Any parameter within a simulation under its control can be selected for output, depending on the wishes of the user. A simulation can be customized by interactive access to all initial parameter values and it can be operated in batch mode to determine patterns of predicted results. The framework is supplied with MODWht3, a daily simulation of organ‐by‐organ development and growth of winter wheat. MODCROP provides ease of use and simulation control features that are not always available in other simulation interfaces.