Author Description

A generic procedure is presented consisting of three steps: (i) goal-oriented identification and design of land use systems, (ii) quantification of biophysical production possibilities and (iii) identification of the optimal mix of inputs required to realize production possibilities. Typically, this approach addresses the future and explores possible alternatives and not plausible or probable developments. The approach is based on the integration and synthesis of process-based knowledge of physical, chemical, physiological and ecological processes involved, and empirical data and expert knowledge regarding agronomic and livestock relationships using a variety of numerical tools. The procedure allows to efficiently engineer future-oriented land use systems that are consistent with the objectives at stake while no options are excluded in an early phase of development.