Short Course on Cropping System Models

Applications in Land Resource Management

18-22 October 2010

ICRISAT, Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh

*Course Overview*

The program will describe a practical approach for simulating effects of
soil, weather, management, and pest factors on crop production.
Instructors will explain how crop growth and development, water use,
uptake of water and nutrients and carbon dynamics are simulated. It will
cover procedures for collecting and managing crop, weather and soil data
for adapting models for applications. Participants will analyze
management alternatives for single seasons and for crop rotations.
Applications of models for studying water and nutrient management and
adaptation to climate change will be emphasized.

Lectures will alternate with hands-on assignments using the DSSAT v4.5
crop models and software package. Ample time will be used to discuss
capabilities and limitations of the models and appropriate methods for
their use.  A Certificate of Completion will be provided upon conclusion
of the course. Enrollment is limited to 10 external registrants.

*Course Topics*

1. Overview of cropping systems models and DSSAT software

2. Modeling climate effects on crop growth and potential yield

3. Simulating soil water dynamics and crop responses

4. Analysis of crop water requirements and water productivity as
affected by climate, soil properties, and management

5. Simulating soil N and carbon dynamics and crop responses to N

6. Experiments and data requirements for adapting and using crop models
for new regions and situations

7. Genetic factors affecting crop productivity, water & nutrient use

8. Analyzing risks and uncertainities due to climate variability

9. Seasonal analysis and simulating crop rotations for sustainable
production

10. Hands-on analyses of cropping systems for these topics

*Instructors*

/Dr. James W. Jones and Dr. Kenneth J. Boote. /

Dr. Jones is a Distinguished Professor in the Agricultural & Biological
Engineering Department at the University of Florida (UF), Institute of
Food and Agricultural Sciences, USA. His field of study is modeling and
analysis of cropping systems in response to climate, soil, and
management conditions. His research has included methods for using
climate information and forecasts for risk management in agriculture and
water resources and applications of cropping system models for improving
agricultural productivity and resource use efficiency. Dr. Jones has
taught classes on modeling and simulation of biological systems and crop
model applications for over 25 years.

Dr. Boote is a Professor of Crop Physiology in the Agronomy Department
at UF. He has taught a crop physiology graduate class for over 25 years
and has also taught courses on crop modeling for over 20 years. His
research includes physiological responses of crops to water, N, CO2, and
pest damage. He has contributed to various projects on climate change
impacts on crops. He and Dr. Jones co-developed many of the models in
the DSSAT system. Each of them have published many scientific papers on
crop model development, evaluation, and application to a wide range of
issues. Both instructors also have been recipients of various
prestigious awards and recognitions.

Course Overview

*Course fee Rs. 25,000 or US $550 plus US $195 for DSSAT v4.5 License*

*What does the course fee include?*

The fee covers on-campus accommodation at ICRISAT (twin-sharing in flats
or single in dormitory). Meals and refreshments during sessions are also
provided. The course fee includes a single license and a CD-ROM copy of
the DSSAT v4.5 software. The fee also includes one copy of a CD-ROM with
lecture notes, PowerPoint slides (pdf), sample exercises, and the use of
computers in the training room.

For more information, go to the following web site:
http://iec.ufic.ufl.edu/Courses/CropModelingcourseOct2010.pdf

For additional courses offered by the ICRISAT-UF International Education
Center (IEC), please go to the following link:
http://iec.ufic.ufl.edu/EducationalPrograms.html

--

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