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Compendium on methods and tools to evaluate impacts of, vulnerability and adaptation to, climate
change
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APSIM (Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator)
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Description
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APSIM is a modeling framework with the ability to integrate models derived in fragmented research
efforts. This enables research from one discipline or domain to be transported to the benefit of some
other discipline or domain. It also facilitates comparison of models or submodels on a common
platform. This functionality uses a “plug-in-pull-out” approach to APSIM design.
The user can configure a model by choosing a set of submodels from a suite of crop, soil, and utility
modules. Any logical combination of modules can be simply specified by the user “plugging
in” required modules and “pulling out” any modules no longer required. Its crop
simulation models share the same modules for the simulation of the soil, water, and nitrogen
balances. APSIM can simulate more than 20 crops and forests (e.g., alfalfa, eucalyptus, cowpea,
pigeonpea, peanuts, cotton, lupin, maize, wheat, barley, sunflower, sugarcane, chickpea, tomato).
APSIM outputs can be used for spatial studies by linking with geographic information systems
(GIS).
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Appropriate Use
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The APSIM environment is an effective tool for analyzing whole-farm systems, including crop and
pasture sequences and rotations, and for considering strategic and tactical planning. APSIM allows
users to improve understanding of the impact of climate, soil types, and management on crop and
pasture production. It is a powerful tool for exploring agronomic adaptations such as changes in
planting dates, cultivar types, fertilizer/irrigation management, etc.
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Scope
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Site-specific but can be extrapolated to national and regional levels using GIS.
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Key Output
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Changes in crop and pasture yields, yield components, soil erosion losses, for different climate
change scenarios.
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Key Input
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Soil properties, daily climate data, cultivar characteristics, and agronomic management.
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Ease of Use
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For trained agronomists. Requires advanced knowledge of plant growth and soil processes.
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Training Required
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For trained agronomists. Requires advanced knowledge of plant growth and soil processes.
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Training Available
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Training courses are offered by APSRU.
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Computer Requirements
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Windows-based PC.
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Documentation
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Available at: http://www.apsim.info/Wiki/Introduction.ashx
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Applications
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Used in Australia, APN projects in Asia, and AIACC activities in South America.
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Contacts for Framework, Documentation, Technical Assistance
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Christopher Murphy
APSRU, PO Box 102, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350, Australia; Tel: +61.07.4688.1394; e-mail:
Christopher.Murphy@dpi.qld.gov.au. Support desk: http://www.apsim.info/Wiki/APSIM-Documentation.ashx
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Cost
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Not identified
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References
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Keating, B.A., P. S. Carberry, G. L. Hammer, M. E. Probert, M. J. Robertson, D. Holzworth, N. I.
Huth, J. N. G. Hargreaves, H. Meinke, Z. Hochman, G. McLean, K. Verburg, V. Snow, J. P. Dimes, M.
Silburn, E. Wang, S. Brown, K. L. Bristow, S. Asseng, S. Chapman, R. L. McCown, D. M. Freebairn and
C. J. Smith. 2003. An overview of APSIM, a model designed for farming systems simulation. European
Journal of Agronomy 18(3-4):267-288.
McCown, R.L., G.L. Hammer, J.N.G. Hargreaves, D.P. Holzworth, and D.M. Freebairn. 1996. APSIM: A
novel software system for model development, model testing and simulation in agricultural systems
research. Agricultural Systems 50:255-271.
Yunusa, I.A.M., W.D. Bellotti, A.D. Moore, M.E. Probert, J.A. Baldock and S.M. Miyan. 2004. An
exploratory evaluation of APSIM to simulate growth and yield processes for winter cereals in rotation
systems in South Australia. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 44(8):787–800.
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