Publication Date
1993
Description
Simulation modeling in grassland science has a history of more than 20 years. To dnle it has been distinguished more by its continuing and expanding development than by its success in advancing grassland science and practice. This possibly reflects the phenomenal increase in computer technology compared with the much more modest progress in grassland science. Models have nevertheless been the vehicle for identifiable contributions to grassland theory and there are an increasing number of successful applications in management and policy situations. Expectations for future contributions are more realistic today than in the heady early years, but despite much disillusion, the role of models in grassland science will probably become increasingly significant. Advance should be favoured by greater integration with modern ecological and systems theory, and by greater emphasis on these disciplines in the required curricula of agricultural faculties. Greater assimilation of modeling technology will probably require appropriate institutional adjustment too. The inexorable spread of computer technology in itself will spur lhe development of innovative model applications. There is good reason to believe that the sophistication, relevance and usefulness of models will improve with time, even if by selection pressure alone.
Citation
Seligman, N G., "Modelling as Tool for Grassland Science Progress" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 24.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session19/24
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Modelling as Tool for Grassland Science Progress
Simulation modeling in grassland science has a history of more than 20 years. To dnle it has been distinguished more by its continuing and expanding development than by its success in advancing grassland science and practice. This possibly reflects the phenomenal increase in computer technology compared with the much more modest progress in grassland science. Models have nevertheless been the vehicle for identifiable contributions to grassland theory and there are an increasing number of successful applications in management and policy situations. Expectations for future contributions are more realistic today than in the heady early years, but despite much disillusion, the role of models in grassland science will probably become increasingly significant. Advance should be favoured by greater integration with modern ecological and systems theory, and by greater emphasis on these disciplines in the required curricula of agricultural faculties. Greater assimilation of modeling technology will probably require appropriate institutional adjustment too. The inexorable spread of computer technology in itself will spur lhe development of innovative model applications. There is good reason to believe that the sophistication, relevance and usefulness of models will improve with time, even if by selection pressure alone.
