A Modular Structure for Crop Simulation Models: Implemented in the SIMPOTATO Model

A highly modular structure has been developed for crop growth simulation models and implemented in the SIMPOTATO model, a model based on the standards of the IBSNAT (International Benchmarks Sites Network for Agrotechnology Transfer) project. The model structure features top‐down design, modularity, high cohesiveness, loose coupling, and data hiding. SIMPOTATO is composed of (i) an upper level module to run the model, (ii) an experiment selection module, (iii) an initialization module, (iv) a simulator module, (v) the crop and soil processes module, (vi) a start/stop module, (vii) a report writing module, and (viii) a graphic display module. Each module is composed of one or more subroutines and functions. Such a modular structure facilitates transferring improvements between models, combining models into multi‐crop models and crop/pest models, and modifying models for new applications.