AGMODELS-L: 199610XX

is the compilation of discussion during Oct 96

via AB4EL Web Digests @ SunSITE

AGROMOMY Homepage @ SunSITE


>From root@crcnis1.unl.edu Thu Oct  3 06:13 EDT 1996
Date: Thu, 3 Oct 1996 05:01:06 -0500
Message-Id: <199610031001.AA10627@crcnis1.unl.edu>
Subject: AGMODELS-L digest 576

Contents:
Erosion modelling job (Tim Hess <T.Hess@cranfield.ac.uk>)



Date: Thu, 3 Oct 1996 10:34:38 +0000 From: Tim Hess <T.Hess@cranfield.ac.uk> Subject: Erosion modelling job Cranfield University Department of Natural Resources Management School of Agriculture, Food and Environment Research Officer in Soil Erosion Modelling ========================================== A research officer is required to work on a 3 year EU funded research programme into the sensitivity of soil productivity to soil erosion in Central America. The project seeks to develop a tool capable of identifying areas vulnerable to productivity decline and will utilise the European Soil Erosion Model developed at Cranfield University. The work will be largely based in the UK but will involve periods of fieldwork in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Mexico. Applicants must have a good honours degree in an appropriate subject together with a relevant post-graduate qualification. The appointment will be for one year initially, renewable for a further two years. Salary will be in the range UKPounds 14 427- UKPounds 16 755 per annum. Application forms, to be returned by 18th October 1996, can be obtained from the Personnel Department, School of Agriculture, Food and the Environment, Cranfield University, Silsoe, Bedford MK45 4DT. Tel: +44 (0)1525 863000 ext 3603; Fax: +44 (0)1525 863360. Informal inquiries can be made to Dr John Quinton. Tel +44 (0)1525 863294. Email: J.Quinton@Cranfield.ac.uk --------------------------------------------------------------------- Tim Hess Department of Water Management Silsoe College Cranfield University Silsoe Tel (0)1525 863292 Bedford, MK45 4DT Fax (0)1525 863300 UK e-mail t.hess@cranfield.ac.uk http://www.cranfield.ac.uk/safe/people/thess.htm ----------------------------------------------------------------------
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>From root@crcnis1.unl.edu Fri Oct  4 17:31 EDT 1996
Date: Fri, 4 Oct 1996 16:15:30 -0500
Message-Id: <199610042115.AA21954@crcnis1.unl.edu>
Subject: AGMODELS-L digest 577

Contents:
USDA Perspective? ("Don Wauchope" <don@tifton.cpes.peachnet.edu>)



Date: Fri, 4 Oct 1996 16:37:24 +0000 From: "Don Wauchope" <don@tifton.cpes.peachnet.edu> Subject: USDA Perspective? To: Agmodels/Pestcide List members The Soil Science Society meeting in Indianapolis in November will feature a "Workshop on Reactive Transport Models" which will include background presentations and hands-on introductions to the BIOPLUME, III, UNSATCHEM, EXPRES and PRZM3 models. I have been invited to give give a talk on "The USDA Perspective" on such models. I will be on a program with Wayne Robarge (NCSU), Philipo Jardine (ORNL), Russell Jones (Rhone-Poulenc) and Dennis Laskowski (DowElanco) plus presenters of the models including Bob Carsel of EPA. Leaving aside the question as to whether you think I am the right person to give such a talk, I would be interested in any comments from folks in either of these lists on the subject topic. I would particularly like comments on the following questions: How does USDA use these models? What is the plan for the future? Is model development (by ARS or by ?) still in USDA's future? Is model support still in USDA's future? By who and how? What are we not modeling we should? Can (should?) USDA and EPA interact more in this area? USDA and industry? USDA and the ecological science community? Just to jump-start this, I plan to say that "there should never be another field experiment in the area of food or water pesticide residues, soil erosion, or nutrient pollution that is not informed by collaboration with a modeller". What do you think of that? R. Don Wauchope U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service University of Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment Station P. O. Box 748 Tifton, GA 31793 USA (912) 386-3892 FAX (912) 386-7225
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>From root@crcnis1.unl.edu Sat Oct  5 17:43 EDT 1996
Date: Sat, 5 Oct 1996 16:30:52 -0500
Message-Id: <199610052130.AA04021@crcnis1.unl.edu>
Subject: AGMODELS-L digest 578

Contents:
Re: USDA Perspective? (dsalinas@sol.racsa.co.cr (Alberto D.R. Salinas-Goytia))



Date: Fri, 4 Oct 1996 20:16:23 -0600 From: dsalinas@sol.racsa.co.cr (Alberto D.R. Salinas-Goytia) Subject: Re: USDA Perspective? The same way, I would say never get into any kind of modelling not including or not comprising at least the economic and management variables pertinent to the situation. Alberto >To: Agmodels/Pestcide List members > >The Soil Science Society meeting in Indianapolis in November will >feature a "Workshop on Reactive Transport Models" which will include >background presentations and hands-on introductions to the BIOPLUME, >III, UNSATCHEM, EXPRES and PRZM3 models. > >I have been invited to give give a talk on "The USDA Perspective" >on such models. I will be on a program with Wayne Robarge (NCSU), >Philipo Jardine (ORNL), Russell Jones (Rhone-Poulenc) and Dennis >Laskowski (DowElanco) plus presenters of the models including >Bob Carsel of EPA. > >Leaving aside the question as to whether you think I am the right >person to give such a talk, I would be interested in any comments >from folks in either of these lists on the subject topic. I would >particularly like comments on the following questions: > >How does USDA use these models? What is the plan for the future? >Is model development (by ARS or by ?) still in USDA's future? >Is model support still in USDA's future? By who and how? >What are we not modeling we should? >Can (should?) USDA and EPA interact more in this area? USDA and >industry? USDA and the ecological science community? > >Just to jump-start this, I plan to say that "there should never be >another field experiment in the area of food or water pesticide residues, >soil erosion, or nutrient pollution that is not informed by >collaboration with a modeller". What do you think of that? >R. Don Wauchope >U.S. Department of Agriculture >Agricultural Research Service >University of Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment Station >P. O. Box 748 >Tifton, GA 31793 USA >(912) 386-3892 FAX (912) 386-7225 > >
End of Digest
>From root@crcnis1.unl.edu Sun Oct  6 17:46 EDT 1996
Date: Sun, 6 Oct 1996 16:32:36 -0500
Message-Id: <199610062132.AA14437@crcnis1.unl.edu>
Subject: AGMODELS-L digest 579

Contents:
Re: USDA Perspective? (Hubert J Montas <montas@ecn.purdue.edu>)
Re: USDA Perspective? (mdon@pianeta.it (Marcello Donatelli))



Date: Sat, 5 Oct 1996 17:46:43 -0500 (EST) From: Hubert J Montas <montas@ecn.purdue.edu> Subject: Re: USDA Perspective? "Don Wauchope" said: > > Just to jump-start this, I plan to say that "there should never be > another field experiment in the area of food or water pesticide residues, > soil erosion, or nutrient pollution that is not informed by > collaboration with a modeller". What do you think of that? > Well, i think that freedom of the field scientist is an important component of scientific discovery. Modelers are often too involved in ensuring the mathematical correctness of their formulations and in obtaining numerical and analytical solutions for these formulations that they may miss out on some important new processes or boundary and initial conditions which are extremely relevant to field conditions but rather intractable mathematically. Would modeling have had to be a factor in experimentation then we wouldn't have known since 1882 that preferential flow is a crucial phenomenon in soils, that erosion occurs before the shear strength of the soil is exceeded by the shear force caused by the average flow, and Darcy's law would not have been discovered in 1856. Similarly, the odd behavior of nonlinear systems would most likely not have become an issue for modelers if it had not been experienced by most in the form of the weather for example. In summary, although modeling can lead to new and important scientific discoveries, it is still important that `experimentators' have the right of free-experimentation: 'If I do not know that milk turns into cheese, how can I model cheese?' H.J. Montas Purdue University
Date: Sun, 6 Oct 1996 20:25:49 +0100 From: mdon@pianeta.it (Marcello Donatelli) Subject: Re: USDA Perspective? About D.Wauchope's statement and H.J.Montas' comment: I agree with Don Wauchope to the extent that often field experiments, which are very interesting and which use a lot of resources, cannot be used ALSO for model testing or other activities related to model development only because there is not sharing of information with modellers. I do not think that Wauchope's statement limits the freedom of experimentation, but that it rather points to make a better use of resources. Maybe we should become a little less rigid in dividing the population of researcher into modellers and non-modellers as often there is a wide overlap and the activities are not in competition; instead, they offer the unique opportunity to get insights in complex systems and produce research tools that wouldn't be available without a joint effort of "mostly modelling" and "mostly non-modelling" research. Summarizing, IMHO, I agree with what Montas said, but do not believe that it contradicts Wauchope's statement. Marcello Donatelli ISA Modena - ITALY > "Don Wauchope" said: >> >> Just to jump-start this, I plan to say that "there should never be >> another field experiment in the area of food or water pesticide residues, >> soil erosion, or nutrient pollution that is not informed by >> collaboration with a modeller". What do you think of that? >> > Well, i think that freedom of the field scientist is an >important component of scientific discovery. Modelers are >often too involved in ensuring the mathematical correctness >of their formulations and in obtaining numerical and analytical >solutions for these formulations that they may miss out on >some important new processes or boundary and initial conditions >which are extremely relevant to field conditions but rather >intractable mathematically. Would modeling have had to be a >factor in experimentation then we wouldn't have known since >1882 that preferential flow is a crucial phenomenon in soils, >that erosion occurs before the shear strength of the soil >is exceeded by the shear force caused by the average flow, >and Darcy's law would not have been discovered in 1856. >Similarly, the odd behavior of nonlinear systems would most >likely not have become an issue for modelers if it had not >been experienced by most in the form of the weather for >example. In summary, although modeling can lead to new >and important scientific discoveries, it is still important >that `experimentators' have the right of free-experimentation: >'If I do not know that milk turns into cheese, how can I >model cheese?' > > H.J. Montas > Purdue University ------------------------------------------ Dr. Marcello Donatelli ISA Modena tel: +39-59-230454 / +39-59-223853 fax: +39-59-214957 e-mail: mdon@pianeta.it ------------------------------------------
End of Digest
>From root@crcnis1.unl.edu Mon Oct  7 18:19 EDT 1996
Date: Mon, 7 Oct 1996 17:05:54 -0500
Message-Id: <199610072205.AA06381@crcnis1.unl.edu>
Subject: AGMODELS-L digest 580

Contents:
Re: USDA Perspective? (David Garen <wsfsdg@pacific.wntc.nrcs.usda.gov>)
Re: USDA Perspective? (mckinion@marlin.csrumsu.ars.ag.gov (James McKinion))



Date: Mon, 7 Oct 1996 09:29:04 -0800 (PDT) From: David Garen <wsfsdg@pacific.wntc.nrcs.usda.gov> Subject: Re: USDA Perspective? To: AGMODELS list members I would like to respond to Don Wauchope's comments and questions about USDA model use and the interaction between field people and modelers. Thus far, I have been merely an observer (a "lurker"?) on this list. As a matter of introduction, I am a hydrologic modeler, with interests in both small catchment and large watershed hydrologic simulation. I am particularly interested in the development of next-generation models that are specifically designed to take advantage of GIS and the spatial data we now have available. And I don't mean just using GIS to derive parameters for old models but rather looking to design models whose conceptualizations make maximum use of the information contained in digital elevation models, soils data, spatially interpolated meteorological inputs, etc. The goal of all of this is to achieve better and better descriptions of runoff (and hence erosion and pollution) generating processes and water fluxes within the soil. If the hydrology isn't right, nothing else in erosion and pollutant models will be right either. I say all of this to address one of Don's questions: What are we not modeling that we should? I must confess to ignorance about most of the models Don mentioned (BIOPLUME, etc.), although I am a little familiar with PRZM. My familiarity is more with agricultural hydrology / erosion / water quality models such as EPIC, SWRRB, AGNPS, etc., and with hydrologic models such as TOPMODEL and numerous conceptual streamflow simulation models. Focusing on agricultural models, the main lack I have observed is a description of runoff generating processes occurring over only a part of the catchment, such as saturation excess overland flow and subsurface return flow. In many regions, these are dominant processes, yet models are still, either explicitly or implicitly, based on the traditional concept of infiltration excess overland flow as being the only runoff generating process. This is true for models whose hydrology is based on an extension of the SCS curve number technique (e.g., EPIC, SWRRB) as well as even the WEPP model. Until our models are able to represent the runoff generating processes appropriately, as well as their spatial locations and variability, our estimates of erosion and pollutant loadings will continue to be questionable, and the conservation practices recommended to farmers may be ineffective or at least not as efficient as possible. New GIS-based techniques in digital terrain analysis, spatial interpolation, etc. are the key capabilities in making these needed model improvements. Now, to address Don's other questions about the future of model development and support in USDA. As part of the reorganization within NRCS over the past two years, the Water and Climate Center in Portland, Oregon was formed to be a national center for the development, support, and transfer of hydrology and climate data and models. We seek partnerships with ARS, other government agencies, and universities to participate actively in the development of models. We have several such efforts going on currently. NRCS is therefore interested in taking a more active role with model developers than perhaps has been done in the past. So when you ask about models in USDA's future, the NRCS Water and Climate Center will be playing a central role in obtaining, developing, and transferring hydrologic / erosion / water quality models. Regarding Don's statement about collaboration between field experimenters and modelers, I would be generally in agreement. The two efforts complement and support one another. Certainly there may be instances where a field campaign is undertaken as basic research on processes. But I think Don is correct in implying that most of the time, the data are collected to support a modeling effort, hence his suggestion that field people and modelers work closely together. Both groups need to understand each other. As an example, being a modeler I have wondered about the usefulness of rainfall simulator experiments on plots. This may have value in areas where infiltration excess overland flow is the dominant runoff generating process, but I would suggest that other processes are more important than traditionally thought, even in areas like the Midwest. Field experiments should be based on the concept that runoff is a catchment-scale process, not just a point (or field) scale process. I would also suggest that if extremely high rainfall rates (corresponding to very rare events -- does anybody ever check the return periods of these rainfall rates?) have to be applied to a plot to generate any runoff, then perhaps another mechanism (such as the saturation excess process over only a portion of the catchment) is dominant, and that the concept of a plot-scale experiment is invalid. I believe it is the resolution of these kinds of questions that Don has in mind when he speaks of field people and modelers conferring about field experiments. I realize I have been very wordy, and I apologize. I hope, though, that these remarks are relevant and perhaps will engender some discussion. If anyone can answer my questions about rainfall simulator experiments, I would be grateful. Best regards, David ************************************************************************ Dr. David Garen | Tel.: +1 503 414 3021 United States Department of Agriculture | Fax: +1 503 414 3101 Natural Resources Conservation Service | E-mail: dgaren@pacific.wntc. Water and Climate Center | nrcs.usda.gov 101 SW Main Street, Suite 1600 | WWW: http://www.wcc. Portland, Oregon 97204-3224 | nrcs.usda.gov ************************************************************************
Date: Mon, 7 Oct 1996 13:20:11 -0600 From: mckinion@marlin.csrumsu.ars.ag.gov (James McKinion) Subject: Re: USDA Perspective? >Just to jump-start this, I plan to say that "there should never be >another field experiment in the area of food or water pesticide residues, >soil erosion, or nutrient pollution that is not informed by >collaboration with a modeller". What do you think of that? >R. Don Wauchope > After having worked in crop simulation research for the last 26 years, I understand where your above statement is coming from. However, not all valid, useful research is framed so that the results can be used in construction of simulation models, i.e. field plot research to test the difference between means of treatment. If the research is framed to delineate the understanding of cause and effect or mechanisms, then I totally agree that a modeller should be part of the research team so that in the research planning stage the needs for model construction and testing can be addressed from the beginning so that critical parameters are not overlooked that will be needed in the modelling process. The type of models being considered also has a potential impact on the reply to the above statement. If one is building essentially empiracal, simplistic models, then a modeler does not need to be on the research team. There are plenty of statistical/mathematical packages available for use on today's powerful PC's that any scientist with some mathematical training can bring these to bear for building this type of model. The process-level, mechanistic models, however, which are developed to bring understanding of the complex, essentially non-linear interactions of environment, cultural pratices, genetics, and plant material/processes do require a modeler. This person does not have to be a computer scientist/programmer. The modeler can be any disciplinary scientist who also has good computer skills, excellent math skills, and of course the interest in the modeling process. The primary reason a person needs to be identified as the team's modeler is the amount of time required to construct process-level, mechanistic models. Finally, while I strongly believe in the great benefits possible from building process-level, mechanistic models, I cannot categorically say that all research must have a modeler associated with the project. I believe that all scientists have models of their research; these are mental models. There will always be those rare, creative individuals who will be in the right place at the right time with the right training that will continue to make scientific breakthroughs, whether they have models or not. For the rest of us who use the scientific method of extending knowledge step by step, a model is a very good tool on which we can hang our present knowledge and understanding so that we can more fully understand interactions and limitations and can communicate this knowledge to others. James Dr. James M. McKinion Ph. 601-324-4375 USDA-ARS FAX 601-324-4371 Crop Simulation Research Unit Email mckinion@csrumsu.ars.ag.gov P. O. BOX 5367 Mississippi State, MS 39762 USA
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>From root@crcnis1.unl.edu Wed Oct  9 19:02 EDT 1996
Date: Wed, 9 Oct 1996 17:49:26 -0500
Message-Id: <199610092249.AA00404@crcnis1.unl.edu>
Subject: AGMODELS-L digest 581

Contents:
Dormancy (John Tatarko <jt@weru.ksu.edu>)



Date: Wed, 9 Oct 1996 16:56:02 -0500 (CDT) From: John Tatarko <jt@weru.ksu.edu> Subject: Dormancy Dear agmodelarians, Here is a question for the group that has been discussed in our unit recently. We are using an EPIC based crop growth model. Is there a simple process based routine to determine the onset and length of dormancy for a given crop, based on basic environmental parameters? Also, what determines when each crop is killed by low temperatures? For example, (from what I understand) grain sorghum dies at temperatures below freezing while at the same time winter wheat may go into dormancy. But even winter wheat can die if conditions are extreme (or long) enough. How cold is too cold for each crop? Is this known? Inquiring minds want to know. 8) Sincerely John John Tatarko | jt@weru.ksu.edu USDA-ARS Wind Erosion Research Unit | WWW URL: http://www.weru.ksu.edu Throckmorton Hall, KSU | phone: (913) 532-6720 Manhattan, KS 66506 | fax: (913) 532-6528
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>From root@crcnis1.unl.edu Thu Oct 10 19:04 EDT 1996
Date: Thu, 10 Oct 1996 17:49:46 -0500
Message-Id: <199610102249.AA26165@crcnis1.unl.edu>
Subject: AGMODELS-L digest 582

Contents:
Re: Dormancy (rama@brcsun0.tamu.edu (Ramanarayanan Tharacad))



Date: Thu, 10 Oct 1996 12:17:59 -0500 From: rama@brcsun0.tamu.edu (Ramanarayanan Tharacad) Subject: Re: Dormancy Dear John: Simulating winter dormancy in EPIC is one of the interesting aspects of the model. There are flags in the crop parameters that signal the model whether the crop is a winter crop or not. If it is not a winter or perennial crop, then it gets killed if the temperature goes below the minimum temp. the crop can withstand (crop parameter 'tg'). The parameter 'idc' in crop database is the flag that tells the crop type. For example if idc==1, -> warm-season annual legume idc == 2 -> cold-season annual legume etc. Now coming to winter dormancy: There are two parameters frs1 and frs2 that determine the extent of frost damage. Please refer to the EPIC user manual (not the 'blue' books). There is another parameter in the miscellaneous paramter file called 'parm(6)'. This parameter is used by winter crops and this governs the length of time the crop stays dormant in winter. The unit of this parameter in in hours. The way this parameter works is: Say this parameter is set to 0.5. Now, as long as the daylength stays below 0.5 hours below the minimum required daylength the crop stays dormant. From my experience the runoff and sediment yield are somewhat sensitive to these parameters. So change them if needed with caution and one by one -- not all of them at once! Good Luck. TSR. +=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+ | T.S. Ramanarayanan PhD | Voice: (817) 770-6622 or 770-6600 | | Blackland Research Center | Fax: (817) 770-6561 | | Texas Agricultural Experiment Station | email: rama@brcsun0.tamu.edu | | 808 East Blackland Road | | | Temple, TX 76502 | | |---------------------------------------+-------------------------------------| | A problem conceived at a certain level of thinking cannot be solved at | | the same level of thinking - Albert Einstein | +=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+
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>From root@crcnis1.unl.edu Fri Oct 11 19:23 EDT 1996
Date: Fri, 11 Oct 1996 18:06:17 -0500
Message-Id: <199610112306.AA20619@crcnis1.unl.edu>
Subject: AGMODELS-L digest 583

Contents:
barley and malting (salvagno@adinet.com.uy (Marcelo Salvagno Sellera))
barley and malting (salvagno@adinet.com.uy (Marcelo Salvagno Sellera))
re: barley and malting (<Guido.Wyseure@agr.kuleuven.ac.be>)



Date: Fri, 11 Oct 1996 01:04:51 -0700 From: salvagno@adinet.com.uy (Marcelo Salvagno Sellera) Subject: barley and malting Hello. I'm doing a Master in the Catholic University of Chile and I am interested in models related to cereals crops. I am needing any information about models in barley, quality for malting and factors that affectes the quality for brewing. Thank you in advance, sincerely, Ing. Agr. Marcelo Salvagno msalvagn@puc.cl salvagno@adinet.com.uy
Date: Fri, 11 Oct 1996 01:11:05 -0700 From: salvagno@adinet.com.uy (Marcelo Salvagno Sellera) Subject: barley and malting Hello. I'm doing a Master in the Catholic University of Chile and I am interested in models related to cereals crops. I am needing any information about models in barley, quality for malting and factors that affectes the quality for brewing. Thank you in advance, sincerely, Ing. Agr. Marcelo Salvagno msalvagn@puc.cl salvagno@adinet.com.uy
Date: Fri, 11 Oct 96 10:31:08 CET From: <Guido.Wyseure@agr.kuleuven.ac.be> Subject: re: barley and malting Dear Marcello, My former colleague Dr. John Favier at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne has been working in this area. E-mail: John.Favier@Newcastle.ac.uk Regards, Guido Wyseure salvagno@adinet.com.uy (Marcelo Salvagno Sellera) Wrote: | | Hello. | | I'm doing a Master in the Catholic University of Chile and | I am interested | in models related to cereals crops. I am needing any | information about | models in barley, quality for malting and factors that | affectes the quality | for brewing. | Thank you in advance, sincerely, | Ing. Agr. Marcelo Salvagno | | msalvagn@puc.cl | salvagno@adinet.com.uy | | Dr. ir. Guido Wyseure tel +32 16 321536 (direct) fax +32 16 321994(agr.eng) Faculty of Agricultural and Applied Biological Sciences/ K.U.Leuven Kardinaal Mercierlaan 92 B- 3001 Leuven Belgium
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>From root@crcnis1.unl.edu Sat Oct 12 19:19 EDT 1996
Date: Sat, 12 Oct 1996 18:07:03 -0500
Message-Id: <199610122307.AA00400@crcnis1.unl.edu>
Subject: AGMODELS-L digest 584

Contents:
Getting Directions (David Donaldson <davidd@sea.ar.ispnet.com>)



Date: Fri, 11 Oct 1996 18:32:37 -0500 From: David Donaldson <davidd@sea.ar.ispnet.com> Subject: Getting Directions Would someone be kind enough to tell me if there is a list that discusses seed genetics. Failing that, which ag list might have members knowledgeable in open pollination seed selection? Thanks david davidd@sea.ar.ispnet.com ----------
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>From root@crcnis1.unl.edu Wed Oct 16 03:41 EDT 1996
Date: Wed, 16 Oct 1996 02:27:46 -0500
Message-Id: <199610160727.AA07657@crcnis1.unl.edu>
Subject: AGMODELS-L digest 585

Contents:
World Forest Congress ("Gommes, Rene (SDRN)" <Rene.Gommes@fao.org>)



Date: Wed, 16 Oct 1996 09:14:00 +0002 From: "Gommes, Rene (SDRN)" <Rene.Gommes@fao.org> Subject: World Forest Congress Hello everybody on agromet-L and agmodels... I have been requested to publicize the information below about the World Forest Congress. The WFC secretariat would like to have some more papers (about 1000 received so far) on several subjects, including, among others Climate change Boreal forests Mediterranean forests More info about the WFC and the instructions for authors can be requested from the Secretariat, from FAO Representations and from the following Internet home page: http://www.FAO.ORG/WAICENT/FAOINFO/FORESTRY/WFORCONG Mr Lahaussois (jacques.lahaussois@fao.org ; fax +39 6 52252151) can be contacted for additional details. Pls also note that a student award for the best 10 essays on the general theme of the Congress, has been announced. A special programme for youth (15-22 years) will be based on three contests: photography, graphic arts, posters. Kindly publicize this info around you... R. Gommes
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>From root@crcnis1.unl.edu Fri Oct 18 19:35 EDT 1996
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 1996 18:22:15 -0500
Message-Id: <199610182322.AA15040@crcnis1.unl.edu>
Subject: AGMODELS-L digest 586

Contents:
Models and Remote Sensing (EBARNES@uswcl.ars.ag.gov (Ed Barnes))



Date: Fri, 18 Oct 1996 14:58 PST From: EBARNES@uswcl.ars.ag.gov (Ed Barnes) Subject: Models and Remote Sensing I am a new subscriber to this list and would like to introduce myself as suggested by the sign-on message. I am currently an agricultural engineer at the USDA-ARS US Water Conservation Laboratory in Phoenix, AZ. I work with a remote sensing group here, who focus on applying multispectral data to agriculture. My specific area of interest is in developing methods to integrate remotely sensed data into decision support systems and/or crop models. I am currently investigating methods to apply remote sensing data to precision farming problems. Many different approaches have been proposed in the application of remote sensing to agricultural management. Three major sources of information that can be estimated from remotely sensed data are: 1. Soil properties - Using images in the red and/or near-infrared (NIR) portion of the spectrum to spatially interpolate point soil samples and to identify sampling locations. 2. Canopy density - Spectral response in the red and NIR can be used to derived estimates of LAI using empirical relationships or through canopy models. 3. Evapotranspiration - Application of thermal and reflective data combined with basic meteorological conditions can be used to obtain instantaneous estimates of actual ET. I believe all three could be used in applying crop models to precision farming problems. We are planning to try some different approaches and I'd be interested to find out who else is working in this area. I'd also like to hear from any system developers who are interested in seeing how remote sensing could play a role in their application. Thanks, Ed Barnes -------------------------------------------------------------------- Edward M. Barnes, Ph.D. Phone: (602) 379-4356 x 268 Agricultural Engineer Fax: (602) 379-4355 USDA, ARS email: ebarnes@uswcl.ars.ag.gov U.S. Water Conservation Lab 4331 E. Broadway Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85040 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
End of Digest
>From root@crcnis1.unl.edu Mon Oct 21 12:04 EDT 1996
Date: Mon, 21 Oct 1996 10:51:59 -0500
Message-Id: <199610211551.AA17324@crcnis1.unl.edu>
Subject: AGMODELS-L digest 587

Contents:
 Introduction - Peter Dzikowski (dzikows@agric.gov.ab.ca)



Date: Mon, 21 Oct 1996 09:09:21 -0700 From: dzikows@agric.gov.ab.ca Subject: Introduction - Peter Dzikowski TO: #LSAGMOD INTERNET General Internet Address FROM: DZIKOWS AGEDM Dzikowski, Peter - Agri Weather Resource Specialis DATE: OCTOBER 21, 1996 SUBJECT: Introduction - Peter Dzikowski My name is Peter Dzikowski. I work for Alberta Agriculture, Food & Rural Development in Canada. I am in an extension position, and also involved in applied research. My province-wide responsibilities keep me involved with most anything related to weather, climate and agriculture in Alberta. I have opportunities to deal with many diverse topics. My role is similar to that of state climatologists in the USA. The difference is that I am not connected to an educational institution. Drought monitoring is an ongoing activity for me. Climatological analysis is an important component supporting the drought monitoring and a variety of applied research projects. Some examples of my work are: - an Agroclimatic Atlas of Alberta; - a report on Alberta monthly extreme rainfall intensity, duration and frequency; - probability of precipitation (monthly and seasonal) in Alberta (in manuscript form); - numerous analysis of actual seasonal precipitation compared to historic; - assembling daily climatological dats sets for use with crop growth and soil erosion models - for validation, improvement, and analytical use. I have been or am involved with the following groups: - member & former President of the Canadian Society of Agrometeorology; - member & chair of the National Expert Committee on Agrometeorology; - member & former President of the Alberta Climatological Association; - member of the Alberta Climate Advisory Committee; - member of the Canadian Meteorological & Oceanographic Society; and - member of Alberta Institute of Agrologists. My particular interests are in three areas; - the use of models, - eliminating the spatial and temporal discontinuity that seems to be associated with most climatic analysis, and - developing ways to "type" seasons for convenient, and hopefully useful purposes. The first interest is how to transform climate data into more useful information through the use of crop growth, and/or soil erosion models. These are commonplace tools in the research community, but their transition into the day-to-day world to aid decision making (aka decision support) is still emerging. I hope to accelerate the process and try to make these into useful planning tools that transform climate data into something more recognizable and accessible than statistics alone. The second area is based on the observation that there are many analytical procedures for dealing with time series at a location. There are also many ways to present and analyse the fields or spatial distribution of climatological statistics. Combining the strengths of the temporal and spatial analysis methods, and incorporating pattern analysis and recognition are of particular interest to me and the clients I serve. The third interest is a direct outgrowth of the second. If seasons can be easily classified in a meaningful way (for dryland annual cropping agriculture in my case), then it will permit more meaningful discussion of climate and perhaps enhance crop & variety evaluation and selection. ------------------------------------------------ Peter Dzikowski, P.Ag. Agricultural Weather Resource Specialist Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development 206 7000-113 Street NW Edmonton, Alberta, CANADA T6H 5T6 Phone: 403-427-3594 Fax: 403-422-0474 E-mail: dzikows@agric.gov.ab.ca (Alternate e-mail if sending encoded attachments peter.dzikowski@agric.gov.ab.ca) ------------------------------------------------
End of Digest
>From root@crcnis1.unl.edu Tue Oct 22 12:05 EDT 1996
Date: Tue, 22 Oct 1996 10:52:40 -0500
Message-Id: <199610221552.AA14811@crcnis1.unl.edu>
Subject: AGMODELS-L digest 588

Contents:
 (setna@starnet.net.ar)



Date: Mon, 21 Oct 1996 21:43:20 +0300 From: setna@starnet.net.ar Subject: UNSUBCRIBE AGROMODELS-L setna@starnet.net.ar
End of Digest
>From root@crcnis1.unl.edu Wed Oct 23 12:08 EDT 1996
Date: Wed, 23 Oct 1996 10:55:54 -0500
Message-Id: <199610231555.AA13269@crcnis1.unl.edu>
Subject: AGMODELS-L digest 589

Contents:
(no subject) (Stephen Ragan <ragan@minot.com>)



Date: Tue, 22 Oct 1996 12:36:18 -0700 From: Stephen Ragan <ragan@minot.com> Subject: (no subject) UNSUBCRIBE AGROMODELS-L ragan@minot.com
End of Digest
>From root@crcnis1.unl.edu Fri Oct 25 11:49 EDT 1996
Date: Fri, 25 Oct 1996 10:35:48 -0500
Message-Id: <199610251535.AA09081@crcnis1.unl.edu>
Subject: AGMODELS-L digest 590

Contents:
A-3 session and symposium topics at 1997 ASA meetings ("E. John Sadler" <sadler@sunbrn.florence.ars.usda.gov>)



Date: Fri, 25 Oct 1996 11:24:18 -0500 From: "E. John Sadler" <sadler@sunbrn.florence.ars.usda.gov> Subject: A-3 session and symposium topics at 1997 ASA meetings Greetings to Ag Models, AgroMet, and Precise-Agri usegroups, Planning for the 1997 American Society of Agronomy meetings will start during the 1996 meetings in Indianapolis. The A-3 division, Agroclimatology and Agronomic Modeling, will have its business meeting on Tuesday afternoon, at which time requests for topics will be made. I would like to hear from the general community what topics might be suitable for symposia or sessions. This year's topics: The 1996 meetings will have a symposium titled "Evapo(transpi)ration & Resource Capture by Plants - honor of J.L. Monteith" on Tuesday morning. Session topics for 1996 include: Poster: Modeling in agronomic systems Poster: Plant canopies Poster: Heat and mass fluxes Poster: Water in soil and plants Oral: Carbon dioxide fluxes & effects on plant systems Oral: Modeling techniques & Applications Oral: Fluxes, balances, & measurements Oral: Modeling soil and water nutrients (sponsored by Computer Software application committee, co-sponsored by A-3 and others) Oral: Databases for agriculture (sponsored by Computer Software application committee, co-sponsored by A-3 and others) My question for the ag met and modeling communities is, what topics do you want to see in the 1997 program? Are there any issues rising to prominence that need a symposium to summarize the state of the art? For instance, I have noticed a minor resurgence in interest in weather generators. Anyone else interested? There is a lot of work in modeling of spatial and temporal variability, including a symposium sponsored by the A-8, Integrated Ag Systems (co-sponsored by de Wit Grad School for Prod Ecology and Wageningen Ag univ) on modeling spatial and temporal variability as a function of scale. Any of the work on modeling with GIS suitable for a symposium next year? Anyone with ideas, please e-mail them to me at sadler@florence.ars.usda.gov If you hit <reply>, check that either your mailer sends it to me only, or that you really want to respond to the entire group. I'll be able to take to Indianapolis any ideas received by Friday, Nov 1. Thanks, John Sadler, Incoming A-3 chair ============================================================== E. John Sadler, Ph.D. USDA-ARS sadler@florence.ars.usda.gov Coastal Plains Soil, Water, and Plant Research Center 803-669-5203x112 (voice) 2611 West Lucas St. 803-669-6970 (fax) Florence, SC 29501-1241 U.S.A. ==============================================================
End of Digest
>From root@crcnis1.unl.edu Sat Oct 26 11:48 EDT 1996
Date: Sat, 26 Oct 1996 10:36:05 -0500
Message-Id: <199610261536.AA00258@crcnis1.unl.edu>
Subject: AGMODELS-L digest 591

Contents:
Precision Agri. use group (rama@brcsun0.tamu.edu (Ramanarayanan Tharacad))
Re: Precision Agri. use group (inovator@agriculture.com (Grant Mangold))
Re: Precision Agri. use group (Stuart Pocknee <spocknee@tifton.cpes.peachnet.edu>)
Re: Precision Agri. use group (inovator@agriculture.com (Grant Mangold))
Re: Precision Agri. use group (inovator@agriculture.com (Grant Mangold))



Date: Fri, 25 Oct 1996 10:49:53 -0500 From: rama@brcsun0.tamu.edu (Ramanarayanan Tharacad) Subject: Precision Agri. use group Could some one let me know the discussion groups(s) for precision agriculture? Thanks a lot. TSR. +=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+ | T.S. Ramanarayanan PhD | Voice: (817) 770-6622 or 770-6600 | | Blackland Research Center | Fax: (817) 770-6561 | | Texas Agricultural Experiment Station | email: rama@brcsun0.tamu.edu | | 808 East Blackland Road | | | Temple, TX 76502 | | |---------------------------------------+-------------------------------------| | A problem conceived at a certain level of thinking cannot be solved at | | the same level of thinking - Albert Einstein | +=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+
Date: Fri, 25 Oct 1996 12:13:18 -0500 From: inovator@agriculture.com (Grant Mangold) Subject: Re: Precision Agri. use group Discussion groups for precision farming are found on @griculture Online at http://www.agriculture.com/technology and include @g Online Precision Agriculture group and an @ccess to Experts forum on Site-Specific Crop Production in @g/INNOVATOR Online. These groups are moderated by @g/INNOVATOR, the premier information resource for agricultural information technologies, and by members of the Ag Electronics Association and by members of the Association of Agricultural Computing Companies. Our @g/LINKS section also provides links to other precision farming information resources. -- Grant Mangold, editor ============================================================================ Primary address: Secondary address: Grant Mangold, @g/INNOVATOR Grant Mangold, Successful Farming 774 South River Road West / PO Box 1 1716 Locust Street, LS 445 Linn Grove, Iowa USA 51033-0001 Des Moines, Iowa USA 50309-3023 712-296-3615 voice or fax 515-284-2853 fax 3127 (ads fax 3563) Subscription: 800-564-4005 (print) 800-366-7450 (online) 800-678-6120 (ads) ============================================================================= Email: inovator@agriculture.com OR gmangold@mdp.com Internet Website: @griculture Online http://www.agriculture.com/technology =============================================================================
Date: Fri, 25 Oct 1996 14:13:15 -0400 From: Stuart Pocknee <spocknee@tifton.cpes.peachnet.edu> Subject: Re: Precision Agri. use group Ramanarayanan, Check the URL in my signature file. There are two web based PF discussion groups and one listserv at http://nespal.cpes.peachnet.edu/pf/ipfi.html#Discussion Best wishes, stu > Could some one let me know the discussion groups(s) > for precision agriculture? Thanks a lot. > > TSR. -- Stuart Pocknee Site Specific Soil Mgmt - NESPAL/Univ of Georgia ph 912-386-7057 mailto:spocknee@uga.cc.uga.edu fx 912-386-7005 http://nespal.cpes.peachnet.edu/PF/
Date: Fri, 25 Oct 1996 19:50:19 -0500 From: inovator@agriculture.com (Grant Mangold) Subject: Re: Precision Agri. use group 2nd send: Discussion groups for precision farming are found on @griculture Online at http://www.agriculture.com/technology and include @g Online Precision Agriculture group and an @ccess to Experts forum on Site-Specific Crop Production in @g/INNOVATOR Online. These groups are moderated by @g/INNOVATOR, the premier information resource for agricultural information technologies, and by members of the Ag Electronics Association and by members of the Association of Agricultural Computing Companies. Our @g/LINKS section also provides links to other precision farming information resources. -- Grant Mangold, editor ============================================================================ Primary address: Secondary address: Grant Mangold, @g/INNOVATOR Grant Mangold, Successful Farming 774 South River Road West / PO Box 1 1716 Locust Street, LS 445 Linn Grove, Iowa USA 51033-0001 Des Moines, Iowa USA 50309-3023 712-296-3615 voice or fax 515-284-2853 fax 3127 (ads fax 3563) Subscription: 800-564-4005 (print) 800-366-7450 (online) 800-678-6120 (ads) ============================================================================= Email: inovator@agriculture.com OR gmangold@mdp.com Internet Website: @griculture Online http://www.agriculture.com/technology =============================================================================
Date: Fri, 25 Oct 1996 20:29:40 -0500 From: inovator@agriculture.com (Grant Mangold) Subject: Re: Precision Agri. use group Discussion groups for precision farming are found on @griculture Online at http://www.agriculture.com/technology and include @g Online Precision Agriculture group and an @ccess to Experts forum on Site-Specific Crop Production in @g/INNOVATOR Online. These groups are moderated by @g/INNOVATOR, the premier information resource for agricultural information technologies, and by members of the Ag Electronics Association and by members of the Association of Agricultural Computing Companies. Our @g/LINKS section also provides links to other precision farming information resources. -- Grant Mangold, editor ============================================================================ Primary address: Secondary address: Grant Mangold, @g/INNOVATOR Grant Mangold, Successful Farming 774 South River Road West / PO Box 1 1716 Locust Street, LS 445 Linn Grove, Iowa USA 51033-0001 Des Moines, Iowa USA 50309-3023 712-296-3615 voice or fax 515-284-2853 fax 3127 (ads fax 3563) Subscription: 800-564-4005 (print) 800-366-7450 (online) 800-678-6120 (ads) ============================================================================= Email: inovator@agriculture.com OR gmangold@mdp.com Internet Website: @griculture Online http://www.agriculture.com/technology =============================================================================
End of Digest
>From root@crcnis1.unl.edu Mon Oct 28 09:00 EST 1996
Date: Mon, 28 Oct 1996 07:48:04 -0600
Message-Id: <199610281348.AA22170@crcnis1.unl.edu>
Subject: AGMODELS-L digest 592

Contents:
CGE and water and soil ("RINGLER, CLAUDIA" <C.RINGLER@CGNET.COM>)



Date: Mon, 28 Oct 1996 08:33:00 -0800 (PST) From: "RINGLER, CLAUDIA" <C.RINGLER@CGNET.COM> Subject: CGE and water and soil My name is Claudia Ringler and I am working as a Sr. Research Assistant at the International Food Policy Research Institute in Washington, D.C. I would like to ask the discussants, if they have any experience or heard about the integration of water and/or soil into the Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) framework. This would be very helpful. My email address is: C.RINGLER@CGNET.COM.
End of Digest
>From root@crcnis1.unl.edu Tue Oct 29 09:01 EST 1996
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 1996 07:49:00 -0600
Message-Id: <199610291349.AA20820@crcnis1.unl.edu>
Subject: AGMODELS-L digest 593

Contents:
Re: Precision Agri. use group (inovator@agriculture.com (Grant Mangold))



Date: Mon, 28 Oct 1996 08:56:01 -0600 From: inovator@agriculture.com (Grant Mangold) Subject: Re: Precision Agri. use group Discussion groups for precision farming are found on @griculture Online at http://www.agriculture.com/technology and include @g Online Precision Agriculture group and an @ccess to Experts forum on Site-Specific Crop Production in @g/INNOVATOR Online. These groups are moderated by @g/INNOVATOR, the premier information resource for agricultural information technologies, and by members of the Ag Electronics Association and by members of the Association of Agricultural Computing Companies. Our @g/LINKS section also provides links to other precision farming information resources. -- Grant Mangold, editor ============================================================================ Primary address: Secondary address: Grant Mangold, @g/INNOVATOR Grant Mangold, Successful Farming 774 South River Road West / PO Box 1 1716 Locust Street, LS 445 Linn Grove, Iowa USA 51033-0001 Des Moines, Iowa USA 50309-3023 712-296-3615 voice or fax 515-284-2853 fax 3127 (ads fax 3563) Subscription: 800-564-4005 (print) 800-366-7450 (online) 800-678-6120 (ads) ============================================================================= Email: inovator@agriculture.com OR gmangold@mdp.com Internet Website: @griculture Online http://www.agriculture.com/technology =============================================================================
End of Digest
>From root@crcnis1.unl.edu Wed Oct 30 09:11 EST 1996
Date: Wed, 30 Oct 1996 07:51:22 -0600
Message-Id: <199610301351.AA21416@crcnis1.unl.edu>
Subject: AGMODELS-L digest 594

Contents:
Drought, mineral nitrogen and individual plant competition (Laurence Benjamin <laurence.benjamin@hri.ac.uk>)



Date: Wed, 30 Oct 96 11:26:36 BST From: Laurence Benjamin <laurence.benjamin@hri.ac.uk> Subject: Drought, mineral nitrogen and individual plant competition The ecological literature has the simple concept that competition between individuals is symmetric if for light, but asymmetric if for below-ground resources. This has implications for the generation of undesirable variability in commercial field vegetable crops. There appear to be only a few experimental studies to validate this concept. I would be interested to know of any research, either current or published, on competition between individual plants when soil water and/or nitrogen is limiting growth. My understanding of the vast literature on water and plant growth is that models have been developed at the crop level to simulate changes in water content in the soil in different soil horizons in relationg to the rooting and water demand of the crop. I would be grateful for any information on how water stress or low nitrgen availability might influence the competitive interactions between individual plants and how these interactions are simulated. Many thanks Laurence Benjamin Horticulture Research International Wellesbourne Warwick CV35 9EF tel direct line +44 1789 472024 tel switch board +44 1789 470382 fax +44 1789 470552 email laurence.benjamin@hri.ac.uk
End of Digest
>From root@crcnis1.unl.edu Thu Oct 31 09:04 EST 1996
Date: Thu, 31 Oct 1996 07:52:18 -0600
Message-Id: <199610311352.AA18780@crcnis1.unl.edu>
Subject: AGMODELS-L digest 595

Contents:
Re: Drought, mineral nitrogen and individual plant competition (rama@brcsun0.tamu.edu (Ramanarayanan Tharacad))
multiple cropping ("Carlos G. Martinez Rueda" <cgmr@coatepec.uaemex.mx>)
Models for use in soil conservation efforts (Dewi Hartkamp <dhartkamp@cimmyt.mx>)



Date: Wed, 30 Oct 1996 08:28:22 -0600 From: rama@brcsun0.tamu.edu (Ramanarayanan Tharacad) Subject: Re: Drought, mineral nitrogen and individual plant competition Reg. Plant competition studies. Dr. Jimmy Williams and Dr. Jim Kiniry from our lab have worked on this topic for a long time. One of the major outcome of their research is a field-scale model (ALMANAC) that is capable of simulating the growth and competition between crops/plants growing simultaneously. Dr. Jimmy Williams who is also the author of the EPIC model, adopted this technology into EPIC. He is also developing a multi-field extension of EPIC called APEX. Very recently he incorporated the multi-crop option in APEX. We are right now testing the performance of APEX. ALMANAC, EPIC and APEX have the capability of simulating as many as 5 crops/plants (or more??) growing simultaneously. For more information please contact Dr. Williams or Dr. Kiniry (williams@brcsun0.tamu.edu or kiniry@brcsun0.tamu.edu). TSR. +=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+ | T.S. Ramanarayanan PhD | Voice: (817) 770-6622 or 770-6600 | | Blackland Research Center | Fax: (817) 770-6561 | | Texas Agricultural Experiment Station | email: rama@brcsun0.tamu.edu | | 808 East Blackland Road | | | Temple, TX 76502 | | |---------------------------------------+-------------------------------------| | A problem conceived at a certain level of thinking cannot be solved at | | the same level of thinking - Albert Einstein | +=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+
Date: Wed, 30 Oct 96 11:49:31 -0500 From: "Carlos G. Martinez Rueda" <cgmr@coatepec.uaemex.mx> Subject: multiple cropping My name is Carlos Martinez Rueda and I am working at The Universidad= Autonoma del Estado de Mexico, Mexico. I would like to ask the discussants, if they have any experience about models relationed on multiple cropping systems This would be very helpful. My email address is: cgmr@coatepec.uamex.mx ************************************************** Universidad Autonoma del Estado de M=E9xico Direcci=F3n de Servicios de Computo Victor Hugo Apolonio Diaz E-mail: vhad@coatepec.uaemex.mx **************************************************
Date: Wed, 30 Oct 1996 16:52:40 -0600 From: Dewi Hartkamp <dhartkamp@cimmyt.mx> Subject: Models for use in soil conservation efforts I am working on modeling and concentrating on models for our soil conservation efforts (minimum tillage and use of mulch/crop residues) within the Natural Resource Management Group at CIMMYT in Mexico. I am looking for comments or information on the following models: CERES MAIZE (DSSAT) and how it performs for tropical Maize (not so good) CENTURY,PERFECT,EPIC,WEPP,SALUS and was wondering if the agmodels initiative has discussed any of these before. Thanks for your time and effort! Dewi Hartkamp
End of Digest
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