Course: Application of public domain models for water, food and climate studies

Overview

Simulation models for water-food-climate are used frequently to support policy making and operational water management. Currently a wide range of models is available in the public domain and has been applied in various parts of the world. With the advent of global datasets and remote sensing techniques these models can be applied easily even in data scarce areas.

Moreover, these public domain models can be used free of charge, and are often similar or even more advanced compared to commercial ones. During this training course an overview of state of the art modeling techniques and hands-on training for specific models will be provided. The course will be organized by FutureWater and venue is Wageningen, Netherlands. Training will be provided by FutureWater staff that has multiple years of professional modeling experiences world-wide.

Goals

Those who complete the course will be able to:
-Make sound decisions which model should be selected to answer specific questions.
-Better understanding of water-food-climate processes and linkages.
-Ability to apply a physical based water assessment tool.
-Ability to apply a water allocation decision support tool.
-Ability to apply a detailed soil-water-crop model.
-Understand strength and weaknesses of various modeling approaches.
-Obtain a clear overview of readily available data sources.

Prerequisites

It is expected that participants should have a general water resources background and are familiar with common computer software. Working knowledge of English is essential.

Models used in course

All modeling tools and data used during the course are in the public domain and are freely available. Participant will receive a complete set of books and DVDs including full working versions of all models. Three types of specific models will be taught during the course: a physically based basin scale water-soil-crop model, a water allocation framework and a detailed crop-growth model.