Description
A ‘virtual’ alfalfa plant model was developed at the University of Manitoba in Canada as part of a comprehensive grazing research project. This model shows an alfalfa plant ‘growing’ on a computer screen and the plant’s response to grazing (similar to time-lapse photography). The original model was constructed by Singh (2005) to show the research potential of visually modelling alfalfa plant growth. The ability to visually ‘grow’ a plant on a computer screen also offers tremendous opportunities for teaching and extension. Detailed morphological measurements were used in the construction of Singh’s model, based on single plants subjected to the following management strategies: 1) no grazing; 2) rotational grazing; and 3) continuous grazing. The modelled growth of these three plants is accurate and can be modified, but has not been rigorously verified in comparison to other alfalfa plants. Singh’s model can be downloaded as a video clip at http://www.cpsc.ucalgary.ca/~lars/models/. The objective of this project was to modify the current single plant alfalfa model to simulate an alfalfa sward under various grazing management scenarios.
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Visual Modelling of Alfalfa Growth and Persistence Under Grazing
A ‘virtual’ alfalfa plant model was developed at the University of Manitoba in Canada as part of a comprehensive grazing research project. This model shows an alfalfa plant ‘growing’ on a computer screen and the plant’s response to grazing (similar to time-lapse photography). The original model was constructed by Singh (2005) to show the research potential of visually modelling alfalfa plant growth. The ability to visually ‘grow’ a plant on a computer screen also offers tremendous opportunities for teaching and extension. Detailed morphological measurements were used in the construction of Singh’s model, based on single plants subjected to the following management strategies: 1) no grazing; 2) rotational grazing; and 3) continuous grazing. The modelled growth of these three plants is accurate and can be modified, but has not been rigorously verified in comparison to other alfalfa plants. Singh’s model can be downloaded as a video clip at http://www.cpsc.ucalgary.ca/~lars/models/. The objective of this project was to modify the current single plant alfalfa model to simulate an alfalfa sward under various grazing management scenarios.
