| Records |
| Author |
Bellocchi, G.; Rivington, M.; Matthews, K.; Acutis, M. |
| Title |
Deliberative processes for comprehensive evaluation of agroecological models. A review |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2015 |
Publication |
Agronomy for Sustainable Development |
Abbreviated Journal |
Agron. Sust. Developm. |
| Volume |
35 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages  |
589-605 |
| Keywords |
component-oriented programing; deliberative approach; modeling; model evaluation; multiple metrics; stakeholders; decision-support-systems; environmental-models; performance evaluation; groundwater models; farming systems; climate-change; irene-dll; simulation; validation; integration |
| Abstract |
The use of biophysical models in agroecology has increased in the last few decades for two main reasons: the need to formalize empirical knowledge and the need to disseminate model-based decision support for decision makers (such as farmers, advisors, and policy makers). The first has encouraged the development and use of mathematical models to enhance the efficiency of field research through extrapolation beyond the limits of site, season, and management. The second reflects the increasing need (by scientists, managers, and the public) for simulation experimentation to explore options and consequences, for example, future resource use efficiency (i.e., management in sustainable intensification), impacts of and adaptation to climate change, understanding market and policy responses to shocks initiated at a biophysical level under increasing demand, and limited supply capacity. Production concerns thus dominate most model applications, but there is a notable growing emphasis on environmental, economic, and policy dimensions. Identifying effective methods of assessing model quality and performance has become a challenging but vital imperative, considering the variety of factors influencing model outputs. Understanding the requirements of stakeholders, in respect of model use, logically implies the need for their inclusion in model evaluation methods. We reviewed the use of metrics of model evaluation, with a particular emphasis on the involvement of stakeholders to expand horizons beyond conventional structured, numeric analyses. Two major topics are discussed: (1) the importance of deliberative processes for model evaluation, and (2) the role computer-aided techniques may play to integrate deliberative processes into the evaluation of agroecological models. We point out that (i) the evaluation of agroecological models can be improved through stakeholder follow-up, which is a key for the acceptability of model realizations in practice, (ii) model credibility depends not only on the outcomes of well-structured, numerically based evaluation, but also on less tangible factors that may need to be addressed using complementary deliberative processes, (iii) comprehensive evaluation of simulation models can be achieved by integrating the expectations of stakeholders via a weighting system of preferences and perception, (iv) questionnaire-based surveys can help understand the challenges posed by the deliberative process, and (v) a benefit can be obtained if model evaluation is conceived in a decisional perspective and evaluation techniques are developed at the same pace with which the models themselves are created and improved. Scientific knowledge hubs are also recognized as critical pillars to advance good modeling practice in relation to model evaluation (including access to dedicated software tools), an activity which is frequently neglected in the context of time-limited framework programs. |
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English |
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| ISSN |
1774-0746 1773-0155 |
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Medium |
Review |
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| Notes |
CropM, LiveM, ft_macsur |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
MA @ admin @ |
Serial |
4551 |
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| Author |
Fan, F.; Henriksen, C.B.; Porter, J. |
| Title |
Relationship between stoichiometry and ecosystem services: A case study of it organic farming systems |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2018 |
Publication |
Ecological Indicators |
Abbreviated Journal |
Ecological Indicators |
| Volume |
85 |
Issue |
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Pages |
400-408 |
| Keywords |
Ecosystem services; Organic farming; Stoichiometry; Field practices; Soil Carbon Storage; Ecological Stoichiometry; Agricultural Management; Earthworm Populations; Nitrogen-Fixation; Cropping Systems; New-Zealand; Quantification; Valuation; Matter |
| Abstract |
Over the past five decades, the delivery of global Ecosystem Services (ES) has diminished and this has been driven partly by anthropogenic activities. Agro-ecosystems cover almost 40% of the terrestrial surface on Earth, and have been considered as one of the most significant ecological experiments with a potential to both contribute to and mitigate global ES loss. In the present study, six different ES (food and fodder production, carbon sequestration, biological pest control, soil water storage, nitrogen regulation and soil formation) were quantified in various organic farming systems and the hypothesis that there is a link between these ES and C:N, C:O and H:O stoichiometric ratios in farming systems was experimentally tested. The results show that different ES are correlated with the stoichiometric ratios to different extents. There are significant positive linear correlations between C:N stoichiometric ratios and all measured ES in the investigated organic farming systems, while not all the ES are correlated with the C:O and H:O ratios. This study has expanded the horizons of stoichiometry by linking a fundamental chemical property of molecules with an emergent property of organic farming systems, namely their ecosystem service provision. |
| Address |
2018-06-07 |
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English |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
1470-160x |
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| Notes |
CropM, ft_macsur |
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no |
| Call Number |
MA @ admin @ |
Serial |
5201 |
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| Author |
Ma, S.; Lardy, R.; Graux, A.-I.; Ben Touhami, H.; Klumpp, K.; Martin, R.; Bellocchi, G. |
| Title |
Regional-scale analysis of carbon and water cycles on managed grassland systems |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2015 |
Publication |
Environmental Modelling & Software |
Abbreviated Journal |
Env. Model. Softw. |
| Volume |
72 |
Issue |
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Pages |
356-371 |
| Keywords |
carbon flux; eddy flux measurements; model evaluation; pasture simulation model (pasim); water balance; pasture simulation-model; nitrous-oxide emissions; primary productivity npp; comparing global-models; net ecosystem exchange; greenhouse-gas balance; climate-change; agricultural systems; co2 exchange; european grasslands |
| Abstract |
Predicting regional and global carbon (C) and water dynamics on grasslands has become of major interest, as grasslands are one of the most widespread vegetation types worldwide, providing a number of ecosystem services (such as forage production and C storage). The present study is a contribution to a regional-scale analysis of the C and water cycles on managed grasslands. The mechanistic biogeochemical model PaSim (Pasture Simulation model) was evaluated at 12 grassland sites in Europe. A new parameterization was obtained on a common set of eco-physiological parameters, which represented an improvement of previous parameterization schemes (essentially obtained via calibration at specific sites). We found that C and water fluxes estimated with the parameter set are in good agreement with observations. The model with the new parameters estimated that European grassland are a sink of C with 213 g C m(-2) yr(-1), which is close to the observed net ecosystem exchange (NEE) flux of the studied sites (185 g C m(-2) yr(-1) on average). The estimated yearly average gross primary productivity (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (RECO) for all of the study sites are 1220 and 1006 g C m(-2) yr(-1), respectively, in agreement with observed average GPP (1230 g C m(-2) yr(-1)) and RECO (1046 g C m(-2) yr(-1)). For both variables aggregated on a weekly basis, the root mean square error (RMSE) was similar to 5-16 g C week(-1) across the study sites, while the goodness of fit (R-2) was similar to 0.4-0.9. For evapotranspiration (ET), the average value of simulated ET (415 mmyr(-1)) for all sites and years is close to the average value of the observed ET (451 mm yr(-1)) by flux towers (on a weekly basis, RMSE similar to 2-8 mm week(-1); R-2 = 0.3-0.9). However, further model development is needed to better represent soil water dynamics under dry conditions and soil temperature in winter. A quantification of the uncertainties introduced by spatially generalized parameter values in C and water exchange estimates is also necessary. In addition, some uncertainties in the input management data call for the need to improve the quality of the observational system. |
| Address |
2015-10-09 |
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English |
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| ISSN |
1364-8152 |
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Article |
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| Notes |
CropM, LiveM, ft_macsur |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
MA @ admin @ |
Serial |
4695 |
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| Author |
Sanna, M.; Bellocchi, G.; Fumagalli, M.; Acutis, M. |
| Title |
A new method for analysing the interrelationship between performance indicators with an application to agrometeorological models |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2015 |
Publication |
Environmental Modelling & Software |
Abbreviated Journal |
Env. Model. Softw. |
| Volume |
73 |
Issue |
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Pages |
286-304 |
| Keywords |
model evaluation; performance indicators; stable correlation; solar-radiation; simulation-model; environmental-models; statistical-methods; crop nitrogen; validation; rice; uncertainty; calibration; software |
| Abstract |
The use of a variety of metrics is advocated to assess model performance but correlated metrics may convey the same information, thus leading to redundancy. Starting from this assumption, a method was developed for selecting, from among a collection of performance indicators, one or more subsets providing the same information as the entire set. The method, based on the definition of “stable correlation”, was applied to 23 performance indicators of agrometeorological models, calculated on large sets of simulated and observed data of four agronomic and meteorological variables: above-ground biomass, leaf area index, hourly air relative humidity and daily solar radiation. Two subsets were determined: {Squared Bias, Root Mean Squared Relative Error, Coefficient of Determination, Pattern Index, Modified Modelling Efficiency}, {Persistence Model Efficiency, Root Mean Squared Relative Error, Coefficient of Determination, Pattern Index}. The method needs corroboration but is statistically founded and can support the implementation of standardized evaluation tools. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
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English |
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1364-8152 |
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| Notes |
CropM LiveM, ftnotmacsur |
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no |
| Call Number |
MA @ admin @ |
Serial |
4503 |
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| Author |
Palosuo, T.; Rotter, R.P.; Salo, T.; Peltonen-Sainio, P.; Tao, F.; Lehtonen, H. |
| Title |
Effects of climate and historical adaptation measures on barley yield trends in Finland |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2015 |
Publication |
Climate Research |
Abbreviated Journal |
Clim. Res. |
| Volume |
65 |
Issue |
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Pages |
221-236 |
| Keywords |
adaptation; climate; crop simulation modelling; plant breeding; spring barley; yield gap; crop production; spring barley; quantitative-evaluation; european conditions; cereal cultivars; growing-season; use efficiency; field crops; wheat; northern |
| Abstract |
In this study, the WOFOST crop simulation model was used together with comprehensive empirical databases on barley Hordeum vulgare L. to study the contributions of different yield-determining and -limiting factors to observed trends of barley yield in Finland from 1988 to 2008. Simulations were performed at 3 study sites representing different agro-ecological zones, and compared with the data from experimental sites and that reported by local farmers. Yield gaps between simulated potential yields and farmers’ yields and their trends were assessed. Positive observed yield trends of Finnish barley mostly resulted from the development and usage of new, high-yielding cultivars. Simulated trends in climatic potential and water-limited potential yields of individual cultivars showed a slight declining trend. Yield gaps showed an increasing trend in 2 out of 3 study areas. Since the mid-1990s, a major reason for this has been the lack of market and policy incentives favouring crop management decisions, i.e. annual fertilisation, soil maintenance, drainage and crop rotation decisions, aiming for higher yields. The study indicates potential options for increasing or maintaining barley yields in the future. The breeding of new climate-resilient cultivars is the primary option. However, this needs to work alongside overall adjustments to farm management and must be supported by financial incentives for farmers to increase yields. |
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English |
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| ISSN |
0936-577x |
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| Notes |
CropM, ft_macsur |
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no |
| Call Number |
MA @ admin @ |
Serial |
4700 |
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