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Assessing the sustainability of wheat-based cropping systems using simulation modelling: sustainability = 42?
Citation
Moeller, C and Sauerborn, J and de Voil, P and Manschadi, AM and Pala, M and Meinke, H, Assessing the sustainability of wheat-based cropping systems using simulation modelling: sustainability = 42?, Sustainability Science, 9, (1) pp. 1-16. ISSN 1862-4065 (2014) [Refereed Article]
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Copyright Statement
Copyright 2013 The Authors. Creative Commons Attribution Licence(CC BY)
DOI: doi:10.1007/s11625-013-0228-2
Abstract
Concepts of agricultural sustainability and
possible roles of simulation modelling for characterising
sustainability were explored by conducting, and reflecting
on, a sustainability assessment of rain-fed wheat-based
systems in the Middle East and North Africa region. We
designed a goal-oriented, model-based framework using
the cropping systems model Agricultural Production Systems
sIMulator (APSIM). For the assessment, valid (rather
than true or false) sustainability goals and indicators were
identified for the target system. System-specific vagueness
was depicted in sustainability polygons—a system property
derived from highly quantitative data—and denoted using
descriptive quantifiers. Diagnostic evaluations of alternative
tillage practices demonstrated the utility of the
framework to quantify key bio-physical and chemical
constraints to sustainability. Here, we argue that sustainability
is a vague, emergent system property of often
wicked complexity that arises out of more fundamental
elements and processes. A ‘wicked concept of sustainability’
acknowledges the breadth of the human experience
of sustainability, which cannot be internalised in a model.
To achieve socially desirable sustainability goals, our
model-based approach can inform reflective evaluation
processes that connect with the needs and values of agricultural
decision-makers. Hence, it can help to frame
meaningful discussions, from which actions might emerge.
Item Details
| Item Type: | Refereed Article |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | APSIM, sustainability, wheat, Middle East and North Africa, region, sustainability concepts, tillage systems, human values, vague property, emergent property, wicked complexity, boundary work |
| Research Division: | Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences |
| Research Group: | Other Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences |
| Research Field: | Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences not elsewhere classified |
| Objective Division: | Plant Production and Plant Primary Products |
| Objective Group: | Environmentally Sustainable Plant Production |
| Objective Field: | Environmentally Sustainable Plant Production not elsewhere classified |
| UTAS Author: | Moeller, C (Dr Carina Moeller) |
| UTAS Author: | Meinke, H (Professor Holger Meinke) |
| ID Code: | 84307 |
| Year Published: | 2014 |
| Web of Science® Times Cited: | 13 |
| Deposited By: | Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture |
| Deposited On: | 2013-05-03 |
| Last Modified: | 2017-11-08 |
| Downloads: | 327 View Download Statistics |
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