WEEDING - A WEED ECOLOGY AND ECONOMIC DECISION-MAKING INSTRUCTIONAL GAME

Process-level simulation models can be a unique and effective medium for teaching concepts of crop biology and management which can usually only be studied in the field. WEEDING was developed from several research models to demonstrate concepts of weed ecology, herbicide efficacy and selectivity, and economic thresholds for weed control decisions. Users of WEEDING interactively grow a soybean crop, making management decisions throughout the season. The program includes real weather data and a realistic assortment of soybean varieties, soil types, weed species, and weed control options. Production costs and profit are calculated at the end of a simulated season. The structure of a process-level model driven by real weather data simulates the risk involved in management decisions.