Foundations for a dynamic model to analyze stability in commercial grazing systems
- Jaime Martínez Valderrama
- Javier Ibáñez Puerta
- Susanne Schnabel (ed. lit.)
- Alfredo Ferreira (ed. lit.)
Publisher: Catena
ISBN: 3-923381-50-6
Year of publication: 2004
Pages: 173-182
Type: Book chapter
Abstract
This paper presents the foundations of the DESPAS model, a systems dynamic model of a theoretical commercial grazing system. Our goal is to emphasize the importance of systemic models, such as DESPAS, as tools for reaching a better understanding of the possible behaviours expected to be found in commercial grazing systems, for synthesizing existing knowledge about such systems and for guiding future research. An overall description of the model is also included. DESPAS serves to interact a commercial livestock herd with vegetal cover and soil in a complex framework that links physical end economic variables. This is an important link underlying desertification caused by overgrazing of pasturelands, which motivated the construction of our model.