Software developments in the SARP project: a guide to applications and tools.
J.J.M. Riethoven, H.F.M. ten Berge, Hilary Drenth · Socio-Environmental Systems Modeling · 1995
This volume presents two software packages (FSU and MANAGE-N) that were developed within the context of the SARP network, to facilitate the application of crop growth models in rice research.The packages are 'user-interfaces' that provide support in the handling of model inputs and outputs, and in performing model runs for specific, routinetype analyses.By offering these functions, user-interfaces open the world of modelling to a wider audience, much beyond the small group of scientists involved in the actual development of models.The tools thus become available for use by agronomists, breeders, economists, etc., who no longer need to have all the basic skills of modelling.In those cases, however, full model documentation remains essential to clarify the model's founding assumptions and limitations to users.The emergence of FSU and MANAGE-N is part of a chain.During the early years of SARP, PCSMP (PC version of the Continuous Systems Modelling Program) was the modelling language wherein the first simulation models (MACROS) were developed.In recent years, PCSMP was replaced by two alternatives, each for its own usergroup: FST (FORTRAN Simulation Translator) for a quick and easy start in modelling; and FSE (FORTRAN Simulation Environment) as a general structure for writing models, offering a number of pre-programmed facilities.FST is a precursor to FSE: it translates a compact simulation model into full FORTRAN programs.Advanced programmers skip the first (FST) step and develop their models straight away in FSE, or elaborate FST-generated FORTRAN programs.The more recent SARP rice models are written in FSE: ORYZA_l, ORYZAJ), ORYZA-modules, and ORYZA_W, and can be executed under userinterfaces.One of the very reasons for switching from PCSMP to FST/FSE was the projected introduction of user-interfaces for the execution of routine tasks.Unlike models expressed in 'true' simulation languages, basic programming codes (e.g., in FORTRAN) can be run as part of larger 'envelope' structures.The combined use of the FST/FSE tandem with a userinterface (also called 'shell') offers the compact programming facilities of 'true' simulation languages, yet enables the easy execution of standard tasks such as regional (multilocation, multi-year) studies, uncertainty and sensitivity studies, optimisation studies, all of which require repeated running of models with a large number of input combinations.The interface thus takes care of communications between the user, the model, the data sets, and the FSE utility routines.Part I of this volume describes FSU (FSE User Interface), at earlier stages named the 'SARP-shell'.The general layout of the package is explained, and the tasks performed and facilities offered.FSU is written as a generic tool: any FSE-structured model can be successfully executed in this environment.FSU supports the user in preparing and arranging inputs, performing different types of model studies, and presenting and evaluating output results.The package includes the module RIGAUS (Random Input Generator for the Analysis of Uncertainty in Simulation) that can be used to investigate the effects of distribution in model parameter values on simulated output.This facility has proven useful in regional studies for dealing with uncertainty and spatial variability, and in plant ideotype design for finding optimum plant characteristics.Part n describes the MANAGE-N user shell for designing optimum N management strategies in rice, based on the ORYZA_0 model.MANAGE-N facilitates the translation of quantitative soil, weather and genotype information into customised fertiliser management recommendations.Both the MANAGE-N and the FSU package will be available for the Microsoft® Windows® operating system within the near future.A summary description of support tools associated with FSU and MANAGE-N concludes the volume in Part III.The appendices present details of input formats, technical references, and selected source files.