ENTOM/BSE 462-562

SYSTEMS IN
INTEGRATED CROP MANAGEMENT

3 Credits

Prerequisites:  NONE

Instructors:  G. Long(Ent) and C. Stockle(BSE)

Text:  None



OBJECTIVES OF COURSE


Students will analyze biological and environmental 
aspects of crop production using simulation models; evaluate 
the behavior and environmental aspects of crop production 
using simulation models; evaluate the behavior and results of 
computer models for crop production, pests and diseases; and 
use computer models to make management decisions.



LECTURE OUTLINE


No. of Lectures                                   Topic

1	Introduction to systems analysis and simulation models
1	Roles of mathematical models in ag. research and management
3	Models and the modeling process (dynamic, deterministic 
	models, model representation, variables, parameters, 
	equations, numerical integration)
5	Weather and organism environments (Time, air and soil 
	temperature, radiation, precipitation, wind, vapor pressure)
5	Plant, crop and pest processes (Development and thermal time, light 
	interception, photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration and soil-plant 
	water relations, partitioning, nutrient uptake)
5	Crop Models (Development models, light interception 
	and transpiration correlations, SWB, SHUI, EPIC, CERES, Corn, 
	Wheat, Cupid)
5	Modeling plant diseases, pests and pollinators (predator-
	prey models, Leslie matrices, potato late blight, apple scab, 
	alfalfa seed IPM)
5	Model evaluation (Stability, sensitivity, precision, validation, 
	optimization)


Grade Determination:
Grades will be determined from performance on computer 
exercises and quizzes plus a term project, required of all 562 students.



LABORATORY OUTLINE


No. of Periods 	                     Topic

1	Use of computers and spreadsheet programs
1	Dynamic simulation with Stella, Forrester diagrams
1	Solving linear models using Euler's method
2	Analysis and generation of environmental data on computers
1	Modeling organism development (thermal time models)
1	Photosynthesis, growth and respiration models
1	Light interception models
1	Water balance models
1	Crop growth models
1	Spatial distributions of organisms
1	Growth of alkali bee populations
1	Predation and competition among insects in alfalfa grown for seed
1	Model validation using field data
1	Model sensitivity analysis 


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