Section outline

  • The GRASSMIND model is a process‐based simulation model for temperate managed grasslands which represents a grassland plot by each single plant (in interaction with other plants). The model is designed as an individual‐based model (means: it simulates the dynamics of each single plant) and implemented in a modular way (means: each step of dynamic processes in grasslands is computed separately and allows for modification or extension). 

    Below you can find a brief summary of the functionalities that GRASSMIND can currently account for in simulations.


    An important concept of GRASSMIND is the simulation of plant functional types (PFT) instead of single plant species. For an adequate comparison of simulations and observations as well as interpretation of simulation results, plant species occurring at a considered grassland site should be assigned to one of the following PFT:


    (1Small and tall herbs are differentiated by the maximum height, here 60 cm.)

    The GRASSMIND model is currently still at a development and testing stage and has previously been tested for various grassland field sites in Germany.

    When testing the GRASSMIND model for new sites or under changing conditions, we do not expect that the model simulations will perfectly match your observations. However, we do hope that the combination of your expertise and field observations with process‐based modelling will improve the accuracy, predictive capacity and applicability of the model. We therefore highly welcome feedback on potential extensions or modifications that could facilitate relevant applications.

     

    (5A modelling approach of grazing as management practice is currently being implemented in GRASSMIND and will be tested soon.)