An integrated knowledge-based system for grasslands ecosystems

In this study, an integrated knowledge-based system (KBS) for the hilly, sa ndy grassland ecosystems was developed. The system is a component of the In ner Mongolia Grassland Ecosystem Research Information Systems (IMGERIS). IM GERIS is an important subsystem of Chinese Ecological Research Network (CER N). The system was designed to manage land use, planting species/variety, a nd optimal coverage of plants. The system integrated a KBS for ecosystem wi th a model system that includes theoretical models of soil water dynamics. The KBS in the system was coded in Prolog and the model system for soil wat er dynamics was coded in C. The model system was integrated with the KBS. ( C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.