Students exploring latest technology
UNIVERSITY of Southern Queensland continues to lead the charge as a research leader in agriculture and the environment after joining the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) initiative.
APSIM, internationally recognised as a highly advanced simulator of agricultural systems, is a set of tools that provide accurate predictions of crop production in relation to climate, genotype, soil and management factor while addressing ongoing climate risks.
It assists USQ researchers in the development of agricultural systems models and decision support tools that aid primary producers to increase profitability and productivity while minimising the environmental footprint of their enterprises.
USQ researcher and senior lecturer Dr Keith Pembleton said it is a key tool that had been used by students and researchers across the educational and research portfolios of USQ.
“APSIM is a key part of our research group’s activities and is the underlying model behind products that USQ has developed, including CropARM and YieldWise for Cotton,” Dr Pembleton said.
“It’s also a key teaching tool in the Plant Agricultural Science Major in the Bachelor of Science program, where it’s used to demonstrate key concepts and allow students to understand the complexities of Agricultural Systems and explore complex concepts in agronomy.”
The model is now being used in more than 110 countries worldwide.
“It gives users an improved understanding of the extent and causes of poor performance, management options, potential crop yield and economic benefits to be able to then give farmers the tools to consider management change,” Dr Pembleton said.
“Students have access to this complex and advanced suite of tools, giving them a unique set of skills that ultimately puts them ahead of the pack once they’re in the ever-competitive jobs market.”
USQ has joined fellow APSIM initiative members the CSIRO, Queensland’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, The University of Queensland and AgResearch New Zealand.
Professor Steven Raine, Executive Director of USQ’s Institute for Agriculture and the Environment, said it was an important partnership.
“USQ is rapidly emerging as a global research leader in agricultural systems and the management of sustainable rural landscapes. APSIM has proven an extremely useful tool for our researchers and students so it’s fitting that we are now a member of the initiative,” Professor Raine said.
“Importantly, becoming a part of the initiative means USQ can contribute to the development, maintenance and future of APSIM.”