| The sugarbeet crop is systematically analyzed over the growing season using simulation modeling techniques. A model called SIMBEET is conceptually developed to understand the interactions between plant morphology and physiology and the environment. The processes of photosynthesis, respiration, translocation, growth, root sucrose storage and synthesis/mobilization of starch in leaves are expressed mathematically and run for the specified time increment with climate inputs to follow the dry matter accumulation patterns of sugarbeets. SIMBEET is patterned after the modeling philosophy developed by Holt et al. (1975) for the alfalfa model.;An extensive field study was conducted in 1977 to provide a data set to assist in the development of the model relationships. Seasonal dry matter accumulation patterns for each plant part, leaf area, dry matter lost from leaf senescence, leaf appearance and death rates, non-structural carbohydrate levels and nutrient uptake and loss were studied as a function of three N treatments and two dates of planting.;This preliminary model reveals additional areas needing future research and describes the process of incorporating research knowledge gained under laboratory conditions into explaining processes not easily measured in the field.;Each physiological rate is defined as a maximum possible rate multiplied by a series of factors which are previously developed functions expressing the effect of such things as temperature, age of the plant, nitrogen, solar radiation, and non-structural carbohydrate on the expression of the physiological rate. |
