Biophysical Modelling of Australian Grazing Systems

Presenter: Dr Ian Johnson, University of Melbourne
Date: Wednesday, 2 August 2012
Time: 11:00 am

Abstract

Biophysical pasture simulation models provide a systematic means of analysing pasture growth dynamics which result from complex interactions between the plant, soil water, soil nutrients, and animals.

The Sustainable Grazing Systems (SGS) Pasture Model and DairyMod are biophysical pasture simulation models with a common biophysical core that I have developed as part of several collaborative research projects. These models have been widely used in Australia and applied to a range of research questions, which include comparisons with experimental data from many geographical locations for a range of pasture species, as well as addressing questions such as climate variability, drought, business risk, and the impacts of climate change.

The biophysical structure of the model means it is well suited to be developed to explore issues such as new management strategies or plant characteristics, as well as environmental impacts of likely future climate change scenarios. The model is also being used in whole system greenhouse gas dynamics studies across Australia that include carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide dynamics.

Dr Ian Johnson shall give an overview of the model structure and discuss some applications.

About the speaker 

Dr Ian Johnson is a mathematician with many years experience modelling biophysical systems as well as research and teaching in agriculture and plant science. He has published widely and is co-author of the text Plant and Crop Modelling (Blackburn Press 2000).

Dr Johnson is an honorary Principal Fellow with the Department of Agriculture and Food Systems at the University of Melbourne. 

Dr Johnson recently has developed projects such as the SGS Pasture Model and DairyMod and has collaborated with various research organisations in Australia and New Zealand including Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), Dairy Australia (DA), AgResearch (New Zealand), University of Melbourne, CSIRO, University of New England, Department of Water and Energy, Department of Primary Industries and the Bureau of Rural Sciences.

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