A model for simulating the timelines of field operations at a European scale for use in complex dynamic models

[摘要] Complex dynamic models of carbon and nitrogen are often used to investigatethe consequences of climate change on agricultural production and greenhousegas emissions from agriculture. These models require high temporalresolution input data regarding the timing of field operations. This paperdescribes the Timelines model, which predicts the timelines of key fieldoperations across Europe. The evaluation of the model suggests thatwhile for some crops a reasonable agreement was obtained in the predictionof the times of field operations, there were some very large differenceswhich need to be corrected. Systematic variations in the date of harvestingand in the timing of the first application of N fertiliser to winter cropsneed to be corrected and the prediction of soil workability andtrafficability might enable the prediction of ploughing and applications ofsolid manure in preparation for spring crops. The data concerning thethermal time thresholds for sowing and harvesting underlying the modelshould be updated and extended to a wider range of crops.

[学科分类] 地球化学与岩石