BEANGRO - A PROCESS-ORIENTED DRY BEAN MODEL WITH A VERSATILE USER-INTERFACE

Microcomputer-based crop simulation models are increasingly used in agricultural research. Although most models have been developed for specific applications, there is a trend toward developing more versatile models, with user interfaces that permit a wide range of applications without the user having to modify the model structure. BEANGRO is such a versatile, user-friendly simulation model for dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). It is written in the FORTRAN computer language and operates on personal computers. The flexible user interface allows researchers to specify diverse model inputs and outputs, easily compare simulation results with observed data, and conduct simulation experiments interactively through menu-driven options for sensitivity analysis. BEANGRO follows the standard file formats of the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) software system, and may be used within DSSAT to assess effects of different agricultural management practices for runs over multiple years using either historical or generated weather data. The model responds to environmental variables (including air temperature, solar radiation, precipitation, and soil moisture retention characteristics), as well as to crop management conditions. Cultivar traits are specified through an input file, and traits may be modified interactively. BEANGRO operates at daily time steps and simulates bean growth and development from planting until harvest maturity. This traditional process-oriented dry bean model and its user interface has created an interest among nontraditional modeler users and has been distributed to researchers for application in various projects, ranging from land-use planning to plant breeding and plant physiology.