Grid based monitoring and forecasting system of cropping conditions and risks by agrometeorological indicators in Austria – Agricultural Risk Information System ARIS

ARIS (Agricultural Risk Information System) is a GIS (Geographical Information System)-based modelling system (applicable for hind-casting, weather observations and forecasting as well as climate scenario projections) for a number of weather-related abiotic and biotic cropping risks, crop management and growing conditions. In our study we demonstrate and describe the functionality and characteristics of ARIS on Austrian conditions and domain. ARIS indicators can be applied for different time periods on a daily base and a spatial grid of 1 km for weather/climate conditions (0,5 km for soil conditions based on the available Austrian soil map). The currently implemented indicators for general cropping conditions or risks are based on daily weather variables, partly combined with soil wetness, regardless other potential (not weather related) limitations. Crop specific risk indicators are based on algorithms for phenological development of currently 5 main crops and include especially the soil-crop water balance and combined drought and heat stress effects. Biotic indicators include pests and diseases of importance for Austrian conditions. ARIS allows the combined assessment of abiotic and biotic risks during crop growing seasons and thus provides a wide set of information for decision support or strategic planning for stakeholders in the agricultural sector. The system has the potential to be adapted for diverse agroecosystems or be extended by further weather related abiotic or biotic indicators or crop types, if the necessary (grid based) input data formats are available.