Agro-Environmental Analysis and Modelling

The objective of the course is that the student:
- Know the structure and the function of cropping systems simulation models, with respect to crop production and environmental impact.
- Know the difference between empirical and mechanistic models.
- Know the meaning of simplifications used in all models presented in the lectures.
- Know how to calibrate and evaluate simulation models.
The knowledge and the skills acquired here, together with those of other courses ("Modeling and simulation" and "Statistical methodology for agricultural research" in particular), make the student and the future practitioner able to analyse, monitor and design agro-environmental systems with a quantitative and systemic approach.

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:
- Know the models for the simulation of crop potential production, of nitrogen and carbon balance in the soil-crop system, and of nitrogen-limited crop production.
- Implement simple models using a spreadsheet.
- Implement the effects of crop and soil management in simulations, and understand their interactions with soil and atmosphere.
- Calibrate and validate simulation models.
- Communicate this knowledge in writing and orally.
- Acquire autonomously new knowledge in this domain (e.g. know, understand, implement and use a simulation model for agro-environmental processes not dealt with in this course).