Streamlining manager scripts for simulating mixed livestock-crop/pasture systems in APSIM NextGen

[hrpasl]

Rationale:

Grassgro and Ausfarm (as part of APSIM classic) are widely used to simulate mixed farm systems. The Grassgro interface is highly user friendly, but it limited to simpler systems. Ausfarm allows for the user to simulate more complex systems in APSIM classic, but often require users to know how to code and manage long manager scripts in C# in order to capture all of the processes needed to manage different enterprises and/or include multiple paddocks in the same simulation.

The goal of this project is construct manager modules that reduce the need for coding and the length of manager scripts in the simulation of mixed livestock-pasture/crop systems in APSIM NextGen. Our hope is that these scripts make the process of simulating these complex systems acheivable for more scientists.

Below, we are proposing seven manager modules that we believe capture most of the actions needed in a mixed system as well as some additional scripts to assist with the initializing and monitoring of the livestock. We invite users to contribute their thoughts and suggestions as we begin the coding process.

[hol353]

@APSIMInitiative/livestock-and-forages FYI