Total Resource Management – Incorporating Optimisation Into the SGS Pasture Model

Summary

The Sustainable Grazing Systems Pasture Model, developed for the Australian Meat and Livestock industry, WAs used in conjunction with Differential Evolution (DE) methods for parameter estimation to identify soil physical characteristics. The model was then used to explore the complex interaction between pasture growth, animal intake and soil water dynamics. Particular attention was paid to the water component and how this is affected by management. This, in turn, provided insight into the role of management in the sustainability of pasture systems. The use of the DE gave opportunity for optimisation of very complex problems.