Overview

The development of computer simulation models is an important growth area in both pure and applied ecology. The opportunity that mathematical models provide to integrate the components of an ecosystem, results in the ability to make quantitative predictions about the future behaviour of that system, or of elements within it. This means that they are tools with wide applications and potential for increasing our understanding of natural systems and our ability to use them in a sustainable way. This work is a complete account of one such mode, the Hurley Pasture Model, a dynamic. deterministic, mechanistic simulation model for grassland, which has been developed by the author over 20 years, in collaboration with scientists at several centres. Firstly the rationale and theoretical elements of this type of model are described. An overview of the Hurley grassland simulator and the derivation and construction of its plant, animal, soil and litter, water, and environment and management components is then given. Next, the model is evaluated by a series of long, and short-term dynamic simulations and study state responses, which demonstrates how predictions can be made about the effects of, for example, climate change or particular regimes of fertilizer application, grazing or cutting. This book is suitable for grassland agronomists and modellers, crop physiologists and plant ecologists, and to students of ecology as a case study of a plant ecosystem model. It should also be of interest to other ecologists and environmentalists and those in the field of computer modelling and its applications.

Full Product Details

Author:   John Thornley (Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Edinburgh, UK)
Publisher:   CABI Publishing
Imprint:   CABI Publishing
Dimensions:   Width: 17.20cm , Height: 2.00cm , Length: 24.40cm
Weight:   0.612kg
ISBN:  

9780851992273

ISBN 10:   0851992277
Pages:   256
Publication Date:   01 April 1998
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Undergraduate ,  Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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There are other examples of magnum opus of this kin but they are few in number and tend to be hidden away in technical reports and proceedings. CABI are to be congratulated for giving us the opportunity to refer so easily to this expertise in a single volume.

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