Persefone.jl consists of a collection of submodels to represent different parts of
agricultural socio-ecological systems:
Farm submodels
Initially, Persefone.jl will simulate typical crop rotations for different regions in
Germany. Each crop rotation will by accompanied by normal management practices,
including tillage, fertilisation, pesticide application, and harvest. These standard
processes will be modifiable by different policy scenarios (e.g. new regulations or
subsidies).
At the same time, we are working to expand the model to include a more comprehensive
agent-based model of farmer decision making. This will take into account the economic,
social, environmental, and political context within which farmers work. With it, the model
will be able to analyse how farms are likely to respond to regulatory and market changes,
and how their responses affect agricultural landscapes and ecosystems.
Crop submodels
Persefone.jl simulates the growth of multiple European crop types based on weather data
and simulated farmers’ actions. We use two different crop models, one based on that
implemented in ALMaSS
,
and the other using the FAO’s more detailed
AquaCrop model
.
Animal submodels
Persefone.jl includes individual-based models of multiple animal species that are known
to be indicator species for agroecosystems. Each species model includes life-history and
movement processes.
In the first version, the following species models will be included:
- birds: skylark (Alauda arvensis), yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella), red kite
(Milvus milvus)
- butterflies: meadow brown (Maniola jurtina), small heath (Coenonympha pamphilus)
Later on, population models for important insect functional types will be added
(e.g. pollinators, pests, parasitoids).