Thematic studies on agrometeorological crop modelling
The Space Applications Institute, part of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC), has published an invitation to tender relating to the provision of agrometeorological expertise to the MARS (Monitoring Agriculture by Remote Sensing) project. The MARS project was set up to provide the European Commission (DG VI - Agriculture) with objective, homogeneous and timely information on agricultural production in the EU Member States. To achieve this goal, quantitative crop yield information is obtained by agrometeorological modelling to simulate the growth of crops throughout the agricultural season. The crop growth monitoring system (CGMS) implemented in JRC/MARS is driven by meteorological conditions, soil characteristics and crop parameters. The present call concerns the supply of thematic studies on agrometeorological crop modelling to improve the actual system. In particular, it covers the following three tasks: - Carrying out thematic studies; - Development, implementation and validation of new features (specified during thematic studies) in CGMS; - Correction of outdated implementations. Suggested topics for the thematic studies include: - Theme 1: Regional crop parameters calibration; - Theme 2: Soil parameters improvement with implementation of updated pedo-transfer rules; - Theme 3: Integration of land-use information to define the set of simulation units; - Theme 4: Modelling of natural hazard damages to crop yield (frost, drought, waterlogging, flooding); - Theme 5: Modelling of meteorological conditions to assess pest and disease effects on crop yield; - Theme 6: Modelling of meteorological conditions to assess yield quality. These may be supplemented by ad hoc topics to be defined by the JRC during the contract period. A framework contract of two years is proposed, covering the period mid-1998 to mid-2000. This would be based on yearly phases (depending on budget availability, continuation of work programme and acceptation of the provided work). The relevant tender documentation may be requested from: European Commission Joint Research Centre J. M. Terres Agricultural Information System - MARS Project TP 440 I-21020 Ispra (VA) Fax +39-332-789936