ABSTRACT

One of the areas of biological engineering that is being actively researched and developed for use in agriculture is crop simulation. In this work, crops such as wheat, soybean, and cotton are viewed as a system of processes that go on continuously, from germination of the seed in the soil to the full development of the grain (or forage) yield. Agricultural scientists and engineers have developed computer programs that calculate, on a day-byday basis, crop growth and, eventually, yield, based on soil, weather, seed variety, and management, and these programs may be used to manage crops with regard to current environmental conditions [1]. Irrigation, timing of pesticide application, and fertilizer levels may be determined “on the go” throughout the season. These models have been developed through years of research in field plots, growth chambers, and computer labs [2].