Simulating forage plantain growth and defoliation in APSIM

The methodology used to develop and test a crop system model to simulate growth and defoliation management of plantain forage (Plantago lanceolata L.) in the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) framework is presented. The model has been primarily developed based on data from New Zealand, but it should be applicable in other regions, and it can be extended to account for new cultivars being released in the market. The model is capable of simulating pure forage plantain stands and can also be used in mixed swards with other forage species within the APSIM framework. Validation tests for the current stage focused on pure forage plantain stands in New Zealand; results showed a good model performance when predicting biomass accumulation over a growing season and nitrogen content (with NSE > 0.8), although predictions for individual defoliation events were not very accurate (NSE between -1.0 and 0.6). More data is needed to improve how the model describes biomass partition among plant organs and how this is affected by environmental conditions and defoliations. This model contributes to the ongoing efforts to explore alternative crops and improve management of grazing systems, aiming to reduce environmental impacts while maintaining productivity.•Data to describe various aspects of plantain forage were gathered from literature and field trials•Model built to simulate plant growth and re-growth after defoliations within APSIM•The model can be used in monoculture and mixed swards.