iCROPM

Rationale & Scope of iCROPM2026

Crop modelling has been a cornerstone of agricultural research and decision-making for decades. As global challenges such as climate change, resource degradation, loss of biodiversity, and food security intensify, the need for more advanced, integrated, and adaptable crop models becomes more critical.

iCROPM2026 aims to bring together the international research community to discuss recent advancements, foster collaboration, and chart the future of crop modelling. The symposium will focus on scientific breakthroughs, technological innovations, and interdisciplinary approaches to enhance the accuracy, applicability, and impact of crop models in addressing global agricultural challenges.

Focus on methodological advances of the ability of models to accurately reproduce the plant–soil–atmosphere system or to integrate with data and advanced data analyses (e.g. data driven models) and/or with other systems.

 

  • Advancing crop process simulation and their response to environmental inputs and stresses (temperature, water, nutrients, CO2, O3, pest and disease modelling, competition with weeds, etc.)
  • Managing uncertainties: inter-comparison, calibration, propagation.
  • Integration of new data (genomic, satellite, on-farm data) with crop modelling
  • Methods of hybrid modelling

Presenting modeling applications for assessing the impact of climate change and extremes on crops and agricultural systems as well as possible risk management, adaptation strategies and the role of agriculture for mitigation.

  • Application studies and specific model improvements for concrete applications related to climate change
  • Studies at field, farm, landscape and larger levels of organisation with crop and/or integrated models
  • Studies on impacts and attributions of single and multiple factors/stresses and extreme events
  • Studies examining effects of land management on mitigation

Model developments and applications for exploring sustainable, resilient and multifunctional agroecosystems

  • Studies considering concepts as well as trade-offs and synergies of ecosystem services (EES) and biodiversity, planetary boundaries, Sustainable Development Goals, etc.
  • Studies on opportunity crops (minor crops, energy crops, etc.)
  • Studies novel cropping systems (intercropping, agroforestry, low input, pesticide-free, etc.)
  • Studies on nutrient and water dynamics and cycles and pesticide fate

Crops modelled in the context of food systems to improve food security and sustainability

  • Studies on modelling value networks (from field to consumer) from a crop system perspective
  • Policy and/or market impact assessments for food and nutrition security
  • Studies on integrated production systems (crop, livestock, grassland, etc.) and the impact on food security

Using crop models to support innovations and/or decision making for more sustainable and resilient cropping systems.

  • Incorporating crop models with real-time data from sensors, satellites, and AI for dynamic decision-making (e.g. support precision agriculture, yield forecasting, etc.)
  • Using crop models to support the development and uptake of innovations (precision agriculture, strip cropping) and environmental policies (carbon pricing)
  • Participatory modelling to facilitate co-design approaches
  • User-friendly interfaces for stakeholders

iCROPM2026 will provide a platform for scientists, model developers, field experimentalists, and stakeholders to exchange ideas, present cutting-edge research, and collaborate on the future of crop modelling. By fostering interdisciplinary discussions, this symposium will help shape the next generation of models that support global agricultural productivity, resilience and sustainability.

We invite contributions from across disciplines to advance the science and application of crop models for a rapidly evolving world.

To top