APSIM Next Generation (APSIMx) Online Training Report

Devkota, Krishna

APSIM Next Generation (APSIMx) Online Training Report

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Date

2025-12-22

Authors

Devkota, Krishna

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Citation

Krishna Devkota. (22/12/2025). APSIM Next Generation (APSIMx) Online Training Report.

Abstract

Soil, Water, Agronomy (SWA) Program of ICARDA organized and delivered a four-day intensive online training on APSIM Next Generation (APSIMx) from 15–18 December 2025. The training course was designed for beginner-to-intermediate users, with a strong focus on dryland and climate-smart farming systems relevant to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and CWANA, while also welcoming participants from beyond the region. The training followed a practical, end-to-end workflow that moved from an agronomic question to defensible, publishable modeling outputs: (i) building robust baseline simulations (soil, climate, cultivar and management), (ii) diagnosing model behavior using process outputs, (iii) calibration and evaluation using standard goodness-of-fit metrics (e.g., RMSE, bias and R²), and (iv) scenario and factorial experimentation for decision support through Genotype × Environment × Management (GxExM) analysis. Interest exceeded available seats. A total of 1,953 applications were received (1,840 unique applicants by email), from which 133 participants were selected (approx. 7.2% selection rate). Attendance was 60+ participants from 20+ countries (as reported in training communications). Key immediate outcomes included strengthened participant capability to set up and interpret APSIMx simulations; improved understanding of calibration/evaluation and uncertainty concepts; and applied scenario design for management and climate-risk analysis (sowing windows, cultivar choice, nutrient and irrigation strategies, and rotations). CSIRO/APSIM experts—led by Dr. Neil Huth and colleagues—provided updated APSIMx insights and real-time technical support through interactive Q&A. The course also reinforced connections with the broader AgMIP community through opening remarks by Dr. Alex Ruane (NASA GISS/AgMIP), and emphasized continuity and application through closing remarks from Dr. Vinay Nangia (ICARDA SWA Program lead). A post-training community of practice was initiated (WhatsApp group of 58 crop simulation modelers spanning 15+ countries) to sustain peer support and future collaboration. This report consolidates the training rationale, design, and technical modules, and summarizes participant pipeline analytics from the applicant and selected-candidate databases. It also documents recommendations for strengthening future deliveries, including pre-training onboarding, two-track programming, region-specific datasets, and structured follow-up clinics.