Researchers are mashing together various inputs to better model and understand crop production.
The Crop Assimilation Model (CAM) and Soil-Water-Air-Plant (SWAP) in GRASS GIS serve as crop productivity monitoring tools by simulating soil, water and crop processes.
The Length of Growing Period (LGP) is when crops meet the full evapotranspiration demands of precipitation and soil moisture holding capacity. Each crop type has specific moisture requirements making LGP difficult to calculate.