Decision support systems and expert systems for range science

This paper examines systematic approaches to dealing with complex information, using the ranching system. As a component of a greater whole, the ranching system receives inputs from its environment and feeds outputs back to it. Traditionally, the primary inputs considered were economic factors such as fertilizer, pest control chemicals, seed, market requirements, and government programme guidelines. In the broader sense, however, the system must respond to factors such as socio-political inputs, long-lasting effects on the environment, and expert market influences. Also, outputs such as waste products, transported soil, and transported agrichemicals must be considered in addition to traditional outputs. This paper reviews potential methodologies that enable scientists as well as policy makers to study this complex system. A review of current ‘soft’ systems techniques is presented with application toward studying the ranch as a part of a greater system. Traditional ‘hard’ systems approaches are also reviewed. Finally, the contribution of knowledge-based technologies to support interdisciplinary research and co-operation for intelligent decision making about the management of production and environmental systems is discussed.