Expertsystem-model coupling within the framework of an ecological advisory system

Abstract The incomplete knowledge about ecological phenomena requires to complement the use of quantitative models by the application of qualitative models and methods. In this context, there are some deficits within the applied ecological research. In this paper, the integrated application of quantitative and qualitative models will be demonstrated within the framework of an advisory system which is used to determine the risk of groundwater contamination by nitrate. The advisory system aims at politicians and decision makers. The structure of the advisory system and the interactions of its components will be described. The main focus is on the concrete realization of the coupling between expert system and dynamic models (forest and agricultural soil model). The pursued approach of coupling is distinguished by the isolated development of an expert system and models, and by the simulation-based knowledge acquisition.