Inside WaNuLCAS

The model is conceived as four layers of soil exploited by roots of two components: a crop and a tree. A simple vertical water balance is maintained on the basis of precipitation entering the top layer and drainage leaving the bottom layer. Water leaching downwards carries nutrients, based on the current average concentration in soil solution. Each layer of soil has its own potential uptake of water and nutrient; actual uptake is based on a comparison of the summed potential uptake from all layers and the current 'demand' as determined by the plant biomass. Plant growth is limited by light supply as well as the minimum of relative nutrient and relative water uptake. The two plants interact primarily via the belowground resources and also by shading.

To use the model you need to:

1. Download the model files
2. Obtain a copy of the STELLA modelling software (either the commercial run time = CRT version or demo version). The current version was built using Stella Research version 5.11.
3. a manual with background information is available as a set of ftp files which can be viewed and printed using Adobe Acrobat software.
4. Read and agree on the Disclaimer and Copyright