Multi-scale Modelling and Digital Twins for Durable Perennial Cropping Systems

I will present DigitalPlant, a proposal I am preparing for the ERC Starting Grant 2025 call. The project aims to improve the long-term durability of perennial cropping systems like sugar cane, banana, and cacao in the face of climate change. We will investigate the key processes that influence system resilience, productivity, and resource use over time. By employing a novel method—multiscale digital twins—we will create virtual replicas of these cropping systems to simulate their structure, growth, and functioning across different scales, from individual organs to entire fields. The project will analyse the interactions between plants, their environment, and management practices to identify strategies to optimize resource use and improve the resilience and sustainability of these crucial agricultural systems.