Download this file and the files PKUNZIP.EXE and SIM161.ZIP from my ftp directory (ftp://ftp.tricity.wsu.edu/pub/simpotato). The file SIM161.ZIP contains this file, 3 files in Word for Windows format (User-Man.doc, Inputs.doc, and Prog-Man.doc), 2 executable files (SIM161.exe and Met2Eng.exe), and data files that go in 4 sample data directories. Unzip the SIM161.ZIP file in the Simdata (or other directory name of your choice) from an MS-DOS window with the line:
pkunzip -d sim161
You may need to put drive:\path information in front of pkunzip and sim161 depending on where you have put those files. If you are using the WinZip program you will only need to specify the target directory (c:\Simdata). You will need to study the sections on changing the Config.cfg file in User- Man.doc to make full use of the model. Input files are described in the Inputs.doc file.
The SIMPOTATO model was derived from the CERES-Maize model. The physiology and phenology subroutines are substantially changed from CERES- Maize to account for differences in potato growth. The input files are similar to thiose in IBSNAT version 2 simulations models. There are major changes from the IBSNAT models:
1) graphics: a routine has been added to allow variables to be plotted on screen while the model runs.
2) General rewriting of code in line with modular programming principles to reduce the number of goto statements and to improve readability.
3) A configuration file (Config.cfg) to set model options such as graphics, batch runs, choice of output files, irrigation & fertigation modes, prediction of optimal irrigation & fertigation. See the sections in the file User-Man.doc for details on the Config.cfg file.
4) Small but important changes in the format of the input files. See the file Inputs.doc for details on the input files.
Currently I am distributing version 1.61 of Simpotato for Windows 95 on my ftp site (Sim161.zip) or on a floppy disk.
Put the disk in your floppy drive. Create a directory called Simpot or else some other name. Open an MS-DOS window and type:
cd \simpot (or whatever you have named this directory)
a:pkunzip -d a:sim161
There are several subdirectories of data files under the simpot directory:
Metric: has our Prosser 1992-95 experimental plot data, OSU 1988-89 commercial fields data.
Eng: has American units versions of some of the sites in Metric. (There is a program in the simpot directory, Met2Eng.exe that translates the Simpotato input files between American and metric units.)
kmb-slv: has data files for growth experiments from Kimberly ID 1978-79 provided by Dale Westermann and from the San Luis Valley, CO 1989-91 provided by Frank Moore. (In metric units)
kmb-slv.eng: has the same files in American units.
There is a file called Sim.bat in each data directory that starts the Simpotato program file (Sim161.exe in the Simpot directory). You may run any of the Sim.bat files from an MS-Dos window or use Windows Explorer to create shortcuts to the Sim.bat file or to Sim161.exe for any data directory. I am not able to provide you with the shortcut icons for but I can guide you through the process of creating them over the phone if that is needed.
The model is distributed to run in select and graphics mode (see the Config.cfg sections of User-Man.doc).
To use graphics, set IPLOT=1 and SCROUT=0 in the file Config.cfg before running the program (this is how the model is set now). To turn off the graphics, set IPLOT=0 and SCROUT=1. If graphics is turned on, after you select an experiment and treatment, the model will ask you to select a variable for the X- Axis and up to 12 variables for the Y-Axis. Variable 31 (day of the year) is best for the X-axis. You may create screen drawing files labeled for variables that you use frequently (see below). If you want to select fewer than 12 variables for the Y-axis, then enter Return when you have finished selecting. If periodic observed data is available for an experiment (file *.PTB is present), the model will show it as letters of the same color as the corresponding predicted line for selected variables that have observed values. Answer L for the line mode. For the screen drawing file.you may select V or TEST. TEST demonstrates putting some text labels on the screen as one would do for making charts or slides for presentations. Now the screen will be drawn and the model results plotted as the model runs.
After you have selected X and Y variables and a screen drawing file, you may
press the
You may choose between growing season plots, full year plots, multiple growing
season plots, or multiple full year plots by setting the variable PLTPER in the
Config.cfg file to 0, 1, 2, or 3 respectively.
If multiple season or multiple year plots are selected, the Batch mode must also
be selected (BATCH=1 in Config.cfg) and the experiments and treatments must
be selected by being listed in the file BATCH.P. For the multiple season or year
plots, the Y variables for all selected experiments and treatments will be plotted
on the screen in different colors.
As distributed, the model is configured with graphics on, all optional output files
off, irrigation & fertigation forecasting off, and not in batch mode. To reconfigure,
see the chapter in the on-disk manual on changing the values in the file Config.cfg.
The program Met2Eng converts input data files between metric and American
units.
Feel free to call me with questions about the model or with suggestions for
improvements in the model or in how the model is programmed.
I am also most interested in potato growth data or in possible collaborative
experiments to support validation, further improvements, or new components for
the model.
I have added two new modules to the model:
!) The intent is to estimate the effect on yields of beetle feeding and growth with or without chemical or other control measures. If a grower can delay each application of a control measure by a few days or a week, fewer applications may be needed for the whole season. The module is based on numbers provided by Washington State University entomologist Gerry Long. I am not satisfied with the current performance and Gerry has not been able to review the implementation yet so this module is highly provisional. To use the module, set the CPBEETLE variable in the CONFIG.CFG file to 1 and set the VIEW_DAY variable to the day of year when beetle growth is to start. Coefficients for the module are in the file CPBEETLE.P.
2) The mineral uptake module estimates plant uptake of P, K, Ca, Su, Mg, and Si as percents of total plant growth based on a paper by Mitsuru Osaki (Soil Sci. Plant Nutr. 41:417-428, 1995). I have no field data to validate this module but the values look reasonable. To use the module, set the NUTRIENT variable in the CONFIG.CFG file to 1. Output goes to the file NUTR.
Go to Principles of Sustainable Agriculture (Sustag-L)
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Go to Potato Scraps - more poems
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1) Colorado Potato Beetle Feeding and Growth
2) Uptake of minerals other than nitrogen (P, K, Ca, Su, Mg, Si)
For your amusement
Go to Potato Peelings - poems by Kim Hodges
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Tom Hodges
Cropping Systems Analyst
EMail: [email protected]
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