The potential for systems and modelling research in pasture science in South Africa

The availability of computers has made it possible to process large volumes of complex data. This development has enabled scientists to enter the field of systems research which both analyses and synthesises complex multivariate agricultural production systems. By building models which represent real systems and by simulating the internal processes of each component of the system, systems research can be used in prediction, decision-making, developing new production methods and teaching. The potential use of modelling in the field of pasture science in South Africa deserves careful evaluation, in view of the complexity, expense and long-term nature of traditional grazing experiments. There is a place for modelling by inter-disciplinary teams in local research, in spite of the present shortcomings of this recently-developed approach.