GRASP
GRASP (Grass Production Model) simulates grass production and predicts outcomes of management decisions about soil water, pasture growth and animal feeding.
- Who this tool is for
- Questions this tool answers
- What this tool does
- Inputs
- Outputs
- Reliability
- History
- Support available
- Where to get it
- Cost
Read about our selection process for including tools on Climate Kelpie
Who this tool is for
Researchers investigating the effects of soil, climate, pasture and management on pasture production.
GRASP is applicable to native and established improved pasture systems, especially tropical systems.
Questions this tool answers
How do soil water, pasture growth, grazing, perennial shrubs and trees interact, especially in tropical and subtropical Australian native and improved pasture systems?
What this tool does
GRASP predicts the effects of various soil, climate, pasture and management inputs on:
- the water balance (runoff, infiltration, soil evaporation, transpiration and drainage)
- pasture growth (green growth, death and detachment)
- animal intake (diet selection, utilisation and live weight gain)
GRASP is the model used by AussieGRASS.
Inputs
GRASP uses daily climate records from SILO.
Outputs
The output from GRASP is designed to be used in other applications that present the information.
For example, GRASP is the underlying model used by AussieGRASS.
Reliability
GRASP is accurate across various scales, from paddock to farm to region.
History
Development of GRASP was funded by Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries. Various funding agencies have contributed to its ongoing development. Dr Greg McKeon was the prime developer with contributions from many other researchers.
GRASP is now owned by the Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management.
Support available
Contact Ken Day, Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management
Email: Ken.A.Day@climatechange.qld.gov.au
Where to get it
GRASP is currently being upgraded. The current version is still available.
Contact Ken Day, Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management
Email: Ken.A.Day@climatechange.qld.gov.au
Cost
Free
GRASP users are expected to collaborate with the developers and share data.