The Integrated Farm System model: A tool for whole-farm analysis in grassland agriculture. (C06-rotz464396-oral)
Authors:
A. Rotz* - USDA-ARS, University Park, PA
Abstract:
Nutrient management in grass-based animal production requires a whole farm approach that considers the many components and their interactions. Computer simulation provides a tool for integrating these effects to assess long-term performance, environmental impact, and farm profit. The Integrated Farm System Model simulates crop growth, grazing, harvest, storage, feeding, animal production, and manure handling over many weather years. Simulated performance is used to determine production costs, income, and farm net return. Simulated production systems were verified against information collected at the Karkendamm experimental farm in Germany, the De Marke farm in the Netherlands, and
commercial farms in the USA. The model was then used to evaluate various nutrient conservation technologies and management strategies tested on these farms under other farm, climatic, and soil conditions. Practical changes in cropping and feeding were demonstrated to provide environmental benefit while maintaining or improving farm profitability. Technologies for reducing nutrient losses were often more costly than the value received from the nutrients maintained on the farm. For those interested in evaluating alternatives in crop, beef, or dairy production, a version of the Integrated Farm System Model is available for Internet download at [http://pswmru.arsup.psu.edu].
Speaker Information: Al Rotz, USDA-ARS, University Park, PA, Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research, University Park, PA 16802-3702; Phone: 814-865-2049; E-mail: [email protected]
Session Information: Monday, November 3, 2003, 7:55 AM-10:00 AM Presentation Start: 9:30 AM
Keywords: nutrient cycling; pasture; grazing; simulation model
