A framework for crop growth simulation model applications

Abstract A computer-based framework for crop modelling applications, constructed by the International Benchmark Sites Network for Agrotechnology Transfer (IBSNAT) project, is briefly described. This framework, and its constituent crop models, is being applied in a number of case study locations in the tropics and subtropics. Ways are described in which the models are used to attack problems in the transfer of agricultural technology. Model application is an area of research that has been somewhat neglected to date. This area is particularly important since feedback from applications can assist in the setting of priorities for updating and adjusting the models to increase their usefulness, and to enable the potential of modelling techniques to be realised in the research and development process.