MOUSTICS: A generic dynamic plot-based biodecisional model

In many studies, simulation crop models have been applied to test the effect of different crop management and cropping sequences on the agronomic performances or to develop criteria assessing the sustainability of cropping systems. However, the representation of farmer’s behaviour is still weak. MOUSTICS is a not crop-specific biodecisional model that links biophysical and decision approaches in a single operating model. The model includes a description of the farmers’ actions and of the impact of these actions on the biophysical system. It is based on the STICS crop model and on the MODERATO decision model. It has been used to test the impact of cropping system distribution on water demand over a large French territory.

► To propose new crop management, representing farmer’s decision is important.
► A decision model and a crop model were linked to create a biodecisional model.
► Re-use of models using computing engineering allows to create complex new models.