An integrated knowledge-based system for grasslands ecosystems

In this study, an integrated knowledge-based system (KBS) for the hilly, sandy grassland ecosystems was developed. The system is a component of the Inner Mongolia Grassland Ecosystem Research Information Systems (IMGERIS). IMGERIS is an important subsystem of Chinese Ecological Research Network (CERN). The system was designed to manage land use, planting species/variety, and optimal coverage of plants. The system integrated a KBS for ecosystem with a model system that includes theoretical models of soil water dynamics. The KBS in the system was coded in Prolog and the model system for soil water dynamics was coded in C. The model system was integrated with the KBS.