Tropical Tree Crop Simulation with a Process-Based, Daily Timestep Simulation Model (ALMANAC): Description of Model Adaptation and Examples with Coffee and Cocoa Simulations

Coffee (Coffea species) and Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) are important cash crops grown in the tropics but traded globally. This study was conducted to apply ALMANAC model these for first time, test its ability simulate them under agroforestry management schemes varying precipitation amounts. To create this simulation, coffee on a site Kaua’i, Hawai’i, USA, cocoa Sefwi Bekwai, Ghana. A stand-in tropical overstory tree created simulations using altered parameters carob, common taller regions. For both crops, able realistically yields when compared collected total yield data. On mean simulated 2% different from measured yield, all three years, values were within 10% of values. cocoa, 3% four available years. When patterns altered, Ghana, wetter showed lower percent changes than drier Hawai’i. agroforestry-style simulated, low Leaf Area Index (LAI) positive or no effect yields, LAI climbed too high, simulation show detrimental competition had crop yields. These results supported by other literature documenting effects crops. research has applied new demonstrated environmental conditions. The promise ALMANAC’s applicability scenarios as well potential be further tested utilized circumstances.