Use of Biophysical Simulation in Production Economics

Abstract

Simulation has become a standard methodology in agricultural economics with models being used in all aspects of the profession. Johnson and Rausser identify two major types of production simulation models in their recent survey of the topic—firm and process models. Firm models, especially those concerned with growth, are most prominent in the agricultural economics literature. However, Johnson and Rausser also review some application of process models, which emphasize specific types of firm decisions. Biophysical simulation models are a specific form of these models concerned with the interaction of weather, soil, and/or biological processes in agricultural production and/or environmental loadings. In the recent agricultural economics literature, these models often are identified as bio-economic simulators. However, similar models are being utilized to evaluate erosion. Since erosion is largely a physical process, biophysical simulation seems more appropriate for the general classification of models considered in this paper.

Developments in biophysical and bioeconomic simulation of agricultural systems: a review

“…Musser and Tew (1984) contend that It 15 S magnitude of physical processes that differenLiatB PS from BEMS. Musser and Tew (1984) contend that It 15 S magnitude of physical processes that differenLiatB PS from BEMS.…”

“…1977). 1974;Johnson and Rausser, 1977;Musser and Tew, 1984). 1974;Johnson and Rausser, 1977;Czaki, 1984).…”

“…nO 1984;Musser and Tew, 1984). Their five broad classeS are the finn and process, the market, the aggregal e, the development and the natural resource modeb-" d In agricultural production, a sub-set of firrn~1 process models, otherwise known as biophYSI ClIJ sirnulators, arc very common (Boggess, 1984;Musser and Tew, 1984). consensus as to the appropriate jargon for this c1assf ication, the categories provided by Johnson an Rausser (1977) will suffice.…”

“…Miscellaneous hn-Although carlier surveys ( Anderson. son and Rausser, 1977;Musser and Tew, 1984) po ' 11 to a preponderance of simulation applications 1 imgation studies, simulators arc now being ricWY applied to pest management. son and Rausser, 1977;Musser and Tew, 1984) po ' 11 to a preponderance of simulation applications 1 imgation studies, simulators arc now being ricWY applied to pest management.…”

“…Introduction~l n this study, simulators refer to models that are developed for simulation purposes (Musser and Tew, 1984;Dillon et al, 19911. l 'l'h~esponding author. Introduction~l n this study, simulators refer to models that are developed for simulation purposes (Musser and Tew, 1984;Dillon et al, 19911. l 'l'h~esponding author.…”