Since the release of DSSAT Version 4.7.5, the DSSAT model development team has been working diligently to improve the Cropping System Model (CSM) of DSSAT as well as the various tools, utilities, and application programs. Much progress was made during the DSSAT Development Sprints or Hackathons that are held bi-annually.
We evaluated the first version of DSSAT Version 4.8 Beta during the DSSAT 2021 International Training Program that was held at the University of Georgia Griffin Campus in May, 2021. Further testing was conducted during the DSSAT 2021 European Training Program held at the University of Munich in August, 2021. We just completed another evaluation during the DSSAT 2022 Ethiopian Training Program that was conducted during the week of March 14-18, 2022 at the ILRI Campus in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The final version of DSSAT Version 4.8 was released in April 2022. Major updates includes the change to a four digit year for the weather file, which will allow for much more flexibility with respect to simulating both historical weather years prior to 1900 and future climate change scenarios for 2100 and beyond. The first year in the weather file will control the actual year for your simulation. Other changes include the addition of new crop models for teff, chia, and quinoa, and a new crop module SAMUCA for the simulation of sugarcane growth, development, and yield.
Input files from DSSAT Version 4.7 and earlier are compatible with DSSAT Version 4.8. To request your copy of DSSAT Version 4.8, please go to the following link www.dssat.net/v48.
