 The "tool" will be a computer run decision-support system that can be operated from paddock to regional scales. The aim is to produce a user-friendly system that can: - be started at any time
- be run for as long as is needed
- handle any sequence of crop or pasture
- account for changing soil conditions
- predict nitrate leakage to water
- inform practical land management decisions that will protect our water
These computer tools will be developed from existing science and new research that will take place during the next six years. In the future resource managers will be able to use these computer-based tools to develop policies for land use decisions, water quality protection and to promote best practice management techniques. To make sure the science and the computer-based tools meet the needs of the people who will actually be using the model, the project also involves an end user group comprising of farming representatives, industry sectors, Ngai Tahu, senior staff from regional and district councils, and central government agencies. The prototype of the tools will be tested by this group. |