Development of a network-based plant growth simulation execution system

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We have developed a plant growth model simulation execution system based on the WWW (World Wide Web) and tested it using several plant growth models. Most legacy growth simulation models were described in high-level computer languages and/or in simulation languages. Since each model has its own calculation algorithm and complicated subroutines, it is difficult to translate a model source program into another language. In our system, a simulation program is compiled and executed using its original language. CGI (Common Gateway Interface) programs written in C language on a WWW server provide user interface between the client and a simulation model program, and create intermediate input/output text files. The simulation program reads input data from the input file and writes calculation results into an output file. This procedure works simply, and a modification of input/output routines does not require a complete understanding of the source program. A field lettuce growth model written in C, a hydroponic lettuce growth model in Pascal, and a general-purpose growth model for six crops in Fortran and CSMP were implemented using the system. The input/output routines of the source programs were comprised of 20 to 30 lines and were easily modified. This system was implemented on a Microsoft Windows WWW server. The simulation programs could be executed without any programs in the system. We also developed a JavaServlet based plant growth simulation execution system.