DSSAT foundation trains IITA scientists on crop modeling
Decision Support for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) Team Leader and Facilitator, Gerrit Hoogenboom, led a team of DSSAT experts from the University of Florida on a 5-day international training program in IITA, Ibadan. The training titled: “Assessing crop production, nutrient management, climatic risk and environmental sustainability with simulation models,” was held from 26 February to 2 March. The workshop, initiated by Julius Adewopo, IITA Postdoctoral Fellow and Geospatial Analyst for Maize-based Systems, was organized by the Capacity Development Office to advance engagement with scientists that are currently involved in crop modeling, familiarize participants with new advances in DSSAT, and develop in-house experts in the use of DSSAT within the Institute.
Julius Adewopo, IITA Postdoctoral Fellow and Geospatial Analyst for Maize-based Systems, giving a presentation during the DSSAT training at IITA Ibadan
DSSAT is a software application that comprises a crop simulation model (CSM) used for a wide range of applications at different spatial and temporal scales. This includes on-farm and precision management, regional assessments of the impact of climate variability and climate change, gene-based modeling and breeding selection water use, greenhouse gas emissions, and long-time sustainability, through the soil organic carbon and nitrogen balances. For applications, DSSAT combines crop, soil, and weather databases with crop models and application programs to stimulate multi-year outcomes of crop management strategies.
In her opening remarks, IITA Deputy Director General, Research for Development (R4D), May-Guri Saethre, appreciated the team for their dedication and steadfastness in ensuring that techniques to advance agricultural technologies are transferred to the participants to enable them to solve research-based challenges. She urged all participants to: “Seize the opportunity to gain experiences that will help them achieve individually defined target outputs, and project-level needs, as well as improve the quality of their research.”
Participants were able to apply the comprehensive DSSAT modeling to support the simulation of crop growth and yield, soil and plant water, nutrient and carbon dynamics and to address the personal needs of their research. The training was attended by scientists, researchers, and students from various IITA locations.
DSSAT Team Leader, Gerrit Hoogenboom and his team, presenting certificates to the participants
The meeting came to an end with the presentation of certificates to participants by Hoogenboom, for their active participation and cooperation.
