Modelling techniques and models are well beyond the limits of research and are now operational in a number of areas. Models are often the only tool available to study the behaviour of complex systems, and they offer unique insigths to understand the frequent non-linear interactions among processes in soil-plant systems. The institute main areas of activity are:
Agrometeorology: Models to estimate daily values of globar solar radiation are being developed and tested world wide. Such models are being used outside the institute in simulation studies, applications, and implementation in weather generators. The models are available for application purposes in a software (see below).
Cropping systems / Farm modelling: Cropping systems have been studied with respect to yield stability and environmental impact using modelling techniques. Also, scenarios of climate change were analized with reference to different environments in Italy and focusing on sugar beet grown in different cropping systems. A farm model aiming at an integrated farm planning is being developed within the project SIPEAA, led by ISCI. ISCI-Agronomy is also a mjor partner in the IP FP6 SEAMLESS.
Statistical indices for model evaluation: Procedures for model evaluation rely on known statistics but are neither formalized nor exaustive with respect to the problems frequently encountered in model testing. Procedures are being developed for model testing, one relying on fuzzy integration of several indices, and on a new index to detect patterns in model residuals. Other indices (e.g. to quantify time mismatch of model estimates) are being developed.
GMO sampling techniques evaluation: A research to simulate the impact on sampling of non-uniform distribution of impurities in grain lots using modeling techniques is on going, in cooperation with the Biotechnology and GM unit of the IHCP-JRC, Ispra. A software to test sampling techniques (KeSTE) was developed, and an operational software (CoDE) to estimate GMO presence in grain lots is being developed.
Techniques for reusable model components and software development: The development of reusable model components is one of the key issues to progress in model development. The research on going focuses on model architecture to achieve modularity and reusability via the use of model frames (MODCOM) and by making available model components for the Windows OS.
Software development: Models cannot be used if user-friendly software is not available. The software tools RadEst, SOILPAR, IRENE, WeatherFile are developed by ISCI, and CropSyst is developed in cooperation with the Dep. of Biological Systems Engineering, WSU, USA. Also, libraries of models or modelling tools are being made available for the Windows OS: ET, GSRad, Preconditions, IRENE_DLL etc. Other programs/model components are being developed (http://www.isci.it/tools)