Abstract
Agricultural digitalization is providing growing amounts of real-time digital data. Biophysical simulation models can help interpret these data. However, these models are subject to complex uncertainties, which has prompted calls for interdisciplinary research to better understand and communicate modelling uncertainties and their impact on decision-making. This article develops two corresponding insights from an interdisciplinary project in a New Zealand agricultural research organization. First, we expand on a recent Royal Society Open Science journal article (van der Bles et al. 2019 Royal Society Open Science 6, 181870 (doi:10.1098/rsos.181870)) and suggest a threefold conceptual framework to describe direct, indirect and contextual uncertainties associated with biophysical models. Second, we reflect on the process of developing this framework to highlight challenges to successful collaboration and the importance of a deeper engagement with interdisciplinarity. This includes resolving often unequal disciplinary standings and the need for early collaborative problem framing. We propose that both insights are complementary and informative to researchers and practitioners in the field of modelling uncertainty as well as to those interested in interdisciplinary environmental research generally. The article concludes by outlining limitations of interdisciplinary research and a shift towards transdisciplinarity that also includes non-scientists. Such a shift is crucial to holistically address uncertainties associated with biophysical modelling and to realize the full potential of agricultural digitalization.
Highlights
The environmental regulation of industrialized agricultural systems is increasingly driven by information derived from digital data that are generated by smart sensors and Internet-of-Things devices, as well as advanced analytics processing these data
We reflect on the process of developing this framework to highlight challenges to successful collaboration and the importance of a deeper engagement with interdisciplinarity. This includes resolving often unequal disciplinary standings and the need for early collaborative problem framing. We propose that both insights are complementary and informative to researchers and practitioners in the field of modelling uncertainty as well as to those interested in interdisciplinary environmental research generally
This article reflects on an interdisciplinary research programme that investigates uncertainties in sensor measurements and biophysical models associated with the digital transformation of New Zealand’s agricultural sector
Summary
A central aim of our research has been the formation of an interdisciplinary team to understand uncertainties associated with the digitalization of New Zealand’s agricultural sector. Programmes that seek to holistically approach modelling uncertainties are one such interdisciplinary research setting, and we argue that valued disciplinary contributions must be included already during problem framing and design stages, which should translate into adequate resourcing and integration of different research areas. Implementing these considerations in practice can be difficult. The section outlines three distinct disciplinary perspectives on modelling uncertainty
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