Model applications in horticulture: a review Artikel uri icon

Open Access

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Peer Reviewed

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Abstract

  • A brief description of the relation between systems and models as well as the modelling process is the starting point for a classification of potential application fields for models in horticulture. The horticulture production process can be characterised as an open and highly complex system affected by weather, soil, insects, diseases, weeds, nutrition, prices and interactions of these many factors. At the moment, knowledge of the whole system is rather limited and models describing their behaviour are incomplete approximations of the real system that they attempt to simulate. Nevertheless, it is possible to identify different types of problems, a grower might be confronted with in horticulture (operational, tactical, strategic decisions). In order to implement models for decision support, it is not sufficient to know the potential problems, it is also necessary to understand the decision making process which is described from a more theoretical point of view. A review of the evolution of computer-based systems for supporting decision making completes the preceding descriptions. In confronting the different types of real problems with the available technical possibilities, the discussion about implementation problems will be opened, including the question, who should or will apply models to derive answers to problems. It is concluded that the use of models in practice will only increase if the models deal with problems faced by the decision makers and if it becomes obvious to the farmers that they can derive answers to their problems on a more efficient way using specific models.

Veröffentlichungszeitpunkt

  • Januar 1, 1998