A model needs to be loosely coupled to other models to allow it to be replaced by an alternate implementation. To enable this, it is important that models implement the required interfaces.
| Model type | Description |
|---|---|
| Plant | To allow users to call methods for Sow, Harvest, EndCrop implement IPlant |
| To allow MicroClimate to calculate and arbitrate canopy light interception implement ICanopy | |
| To allow SoilArbitrator to calculate and arbitrate water and nutrient uptake implement IUptake | |
| To allow plant consumers (pest / diseases / stock) to damage a plant implement IPlantDamage and IOrganDamage | |
| Soil water | To allow models to get water variables implement ISoilWater |
| Nutrient | To allow models to get nutrient variables implement ISolute and INutrient |
| Surface organic matter | To allow models (e.g. Plant, Stock, SimpleGrazing) to transfer biomass to the surface residue pools and to get surface residue variables implement ISurfaceOrganicMatter |
| To allow plant consumers (pest / diseases / stock) to damage surface residues implement IPlantDamage and IOrganDamage | |
| Weather | To allow models to get weather data implement IWeather |
| Soil temperature models | To allow models to get soil temperature variables implement ISoilTemperature |
The converse of the above table also holds true. For example, a canopy arbitration model must look for and use models that implement ICanopy.