Virtual pasture ABM

suggested by: Gudrun Wallentin

Background 

This research accompanies the revitalisation of a traditional alpine cattle pasture “Vierkaseralm” on Untersberg near Salzburg City. The study area was abandoned by the last farmer in 1958, since then shrubs (mainly Pinus mugo) have encroached the former grasslands. In summer 2021 the pasture was revived, the cattle got GPS devices and the area was scanned with a UAV. The data that have been collected since then provide a unique opportunity for scientific monitoring of pasture revitalisation.

Short description

This thesis aims to use agent-based simulation modelling to gain a better understanding of the cattle-grassland interaction dynamics following an alpine pasture revitalisation project. The available reference model will be modified, calibrated and validated with the cattles' GPS data and other available datasets in a pattern-oriented modelling approach, also using data-driven optimisation paradigms. Based on this reference model, the thesis will use scenario-based reserach to simulate alternative agro-ecological management strategies and / or test assumptions on cattle behaviour and vegetation dynamics. 

 

Suggested reading

Wallentin (2026) "Spatial Simulation" eBook

Start

anytime

Prerequsites/qualification
Interest in the topic. On-site involvement in the revitalisation activities is possible and highly welcome.