Introduction
Systems Analysis and Modeling in Food and Agriculture is a component of Encyclopedia of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Engineering and Technology Resources in the global Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), which is an integrated compendium of twenty one Encyclopedias.
Systems analysis and modeling is being used increasingly in understanding and solving problems in food and agriculture. The purpose of systems analysis is to support decisions by emphasizing the interactions of processes and components within a system. Frequently investigated systems level questions in agriculture and food are relevant to the 6 E's: Environment, Energy, Ecology, Economics, Education, and Efficiency. The theme on Systems Analysis and Modeling in Food and Agriculture with contributions from distinguished experts in the field provides information on key topics related to food and agricultural system. The coverage include an overview of food system; system level aspects related to energy, environment, and social/policy issues; knowledge bases and decision support; computer models for crops, food processing, water resources, and agricultural meteorology; collection and analysis methods for data from field experiments; use of models and information systems. This volume is aimed at the following a wide spectrum of audiences from the merely curious to those seeking in-depth knowledge: University and College students Educators, Professional practitioners, Research personnel and Policy analysts, managers, and decision makers and NGOs.
Editor(s) Biography
K.C. Ting is Professor and Head of the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department in the College of ACES at the University of Illinois. Ting received his bachelor’s degree from the National Taiwan University, his master’s degree from the University of Kentucky, and his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois in agricultural engineering. Ting became a faculty member at the University of Houston from 1980 to 1985, Rutgers University from 1985 to 2000, and The Ohio State University from 2000 to 2004. He served as chair of the Mechanical Engineering Technology Department at the University of Houston from 1984 to 1985, , chair of the Bioresource Engineering Department at Rutgers University from 1993 to 1999, and chair of the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering at The Ohio State University from 2000 to 2004.
He teaches and conducts research on automation, systems analysis, alternative energy, thermal control, and computerized simulation, optimization and decision support for bio-production and bio-processing systems including phytomation, phytoremediation, advanced life support, and bioenergy. Recent projects include concurrent science, engineering and technology (ConSEnT), systems informatics and analysis of advanced life support systems for human long duration space exploration, robotics for plant and food production, phytoremediation engineering design, and biomass feedstock production engineering. Ting is a contributing member of many professional organizations, including the Publications Council of ASABE, the Board of Trustees of ASABE Foundation, and the African Scientific Committee for establishment of future African Institutes of Science and Technology. He holds a patent on a robotic end-effector for transplanting of seedlings. He is a recipient of many awards and honors, including Fellows of ASABE and ASME and the ASABE 2008 Kishida International Award and 2011 James R. and Karen A. Gilley Academic Leadership Award.
David H. Fleisher is an agricultural engineer in the Agricultural Research Service within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Dr. Fleisher received an interdisciplinary doctoral degree in Bioresource Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Plant Biology from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey in 2001. Prior to joining the USDA, Dr. Fleisher was an assistant professor at Rutgers University until 2003. His current research focus includes the application of advanced systems theory towards the understanding and solution of complex soil, plant and atmospheric relationships. Dr. Fleisher develops computerized decision support systems for farm, research, and agricultural policy planning. His current research includes experimentation and mathematical modeling for development of mechanistic crop models for corn and potato.
Luis F. Rodriguez, Professor at the National Research Council, National Aeronautics/Space Administration, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, USA
