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BOOK REVIEW

Crop–Soil Simulation Models

Applications in Developing Countries

USDA Agricultural Research Service Great Plains Systems Research Unit Fort Collins, CO 80522

laj.ahuja{at}ars.usda.gov

Edited by Robin Matthews and William Stephens, CABI Publishing, 10 East 40th Street, Suite 3203, New York, NY 10016. 2002. 304 p. $100.00 hardcover. ISBN 0851995632.

This book provides a comprehensive review of the applications of crop–soil simulation models to problems encountered in developing countries—how such models have been used for solving problems related to crop management, their limitations, and areas where they can be further used. It is the first global attempt to assess the acceptance of crop–soil simulation models in research and management, which will be useful for developed countries as well.

In the book's introduction, Matthews emphasizes the need for a systems approach to agricultural research in developing countries using crop–soil models. This approach can integrate research from various disciplines and locations, thereby offering a way to improve the efficiency and cost of expensive research. The rest of the book chapters are organized into five parts: (i) Models as Tools in Research; (ii) Models as Decision-Support Tools; (iii) Models as Tools in Education and Training; (iv) Have Crop Models Been Useful?; and (v) The Way Forward.

In Part 1, advantages of integrating system modeling into research are discussed, including identifying gaps in knowledge, generating hypotheses, and designing experiments; determining the most important system parameters; enhancing interdisciplinary communications; and bringing scientists and producers together for solving problems. The other five chapters describe how models may contribute to speeding up the release of new cultivars; understanding and improving crop management (yield gap analysis and optimum soil surface conditions, planting and harvesting dates, water, N, and pest management); evaluating sustainability of farming systems; policy-making; and assessing global processes such as climate change.

In Part 2, Stephens and coauthors discuss decision support systems (DSSs) and their applications to operational decision-making (when and how much fertilizers, water, and pesticides to apply) and strategic decision-making (long-term planning for land use, irrigation, climate change, and farm management). They provide an illuminating analysis of why the uptake of DSSs has been poor so far. The reasons include shortcomings in model construction, marketing and support, technology, user perceptions, and state policies.

In Part 3, Grave and coauthors present the advantages of models for visualizing and comprehending the highly complex interactions in agriculture and developing skills in synthesis of knowledge. Examples of using crop–soil models in education are mainly from developed countries. They correctly surmise that models for education and training have to be structured and packaged differently.

Part 4 is addressed through "who are models targeted at" and "impact of crop–soil models." Matthews lists different targeted audiences with different modeling needs. The role of extension personnel as a human interface between modelers and farmers is stressed. Matthews and coauthors conclude that outside the research arena, there has been little impact of models so far. However, they do list several cases of impact, where the important factors were competent modelers, multidisciplinary teams, demand, participatory approach, and long-term commitment. They suggest that for user groups, "the criteria for success of modeling activities need to change from a product as an end in itself to a process for achieving outcomes. In particular, there is a need to demonstrate how models can lead to practical innovation."

In Part 5, Matthews suggests a shift in thinking away from a focus on only natural resources and commodities toward a more people-centered approach, which considers a totality of ways in which people make their livelihood. He suggests participatory problem-solving approaches. He also tells how the model applications can be improved. In the concluding chapter, Matthews and Stephens state that "Models are probably more useful as research tools to provide solutions to constraints which can then be developed into simple rules of thumb, rather than as operational tools."

This book should be highly valuable to all professionals working with models.

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