The HortSyst model is a new discrete time model for describing the dynamics of photo-thermal time (PTI), total dry matter production (DMP), N uptake (Nup), leaf area index (LAI), and evapotranspiration (ETc) for greenhouse crops. The first three variables are considered as state variables and the latter two are conceptualized as output variables. This model was developed as a tool for decision support systems in Mexican greenhouses for the application of N and water in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production. The HortSyst has 13 parameters. It was used to calibrate the model and estimate the correct parameter values for the crop season. An experiment was carried out to test model predictions in a greenhouse during the autumn-winter season in Chapingo, Mexico. Tomato 'CID F1' was grown in a hydroponic system and plants were distributed with a density of 3.5 plants m-2. The tomato crop was transplanted on 21 August 2015. A weather station was installed inside the greenhouse to measure temperature, relative humidity, and global radiation. The HortSyst model provides an excellent predictive quality for DMP, Nup, LAI, and ETc according to the statistics. Values for bias (BIAS) were DMP (-3.897), Nup (-0.071), LAI (0.026), and ETc (3.647), values for root mean square error (RMSE) were DMP (14.543), Nup (0.500), LAI (0.100), and ETc (39.330), and values for modeling efficiency (EF)were DMP (0.996), Nup (0.991), LAI (0.998), and ETc (0.815). The model proposed and described in this paper can be integrated as a decision support tool for N supply and irrigation management in greenhouse production systems.

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A B S T R A C TRabbit barns are of economic importance in central Mexico, where rabbit breeders use rustic buildings for production. In such barns, climate conditioning is mostly based on natural ventilation (NV) where the lack of a well-designed NV system may be a limiting factor. In this study, computational fluid dynamics was used to analyse the performance of the NV system in a 24 x 4 x 4.8 m typical Central Mexico rabbit barn with a density of 20 rabbits m -2 of cage. The barn included both side vents at 1.2 m in height from the ground. Results indicated exchange rates of 0.052 and 2.9 x 10 -4 m 3 m -2 s -1 when the wind direction was simulated as orthogonal and parallel to the side vents, respectively, suggesting the orthogonal direction favoured the exchange rate. However, such conditions produced an accumulation of ammonia underneath the rabbit cages. Thus, a design modification including a lower inlet vent was analysed. Such modification substantially decreased the concentration gradients of temperature and ammonia.Gradientes de temperatura e concentração de amônia em fazenda cunícula com dois sistemas de ventilação R E S U M O A produção de coelhos em sistemas intensivos é importante para a economia da região central do México, onde os criadores usam instalações rústicas para produção. O acondicionamento climático nesse tipo de instalação ocorre, basicamente, por ventilação natural; no entanto, a arquitetura desses galpões é fator limitante para uma ventilação eficiente. Neste trabalho foi usada Dinâmica Computacional de Fluido para analisar o desempenho da ventilação natural em um típico galpão de 24 x 4 x 4,8 m construído na parte central do México. Foi usada uma densidade de 20 coelhos m -2 para as simulações. O galpão tinha dois lados de ventilação de 1.2 m de altura desde o solo. Os resultados indicaram taxas de câmbio de 0,052 e 2,9 x 10 -4 m 3 m -2 s -1 quando se simulou a direção do vento em ortogonal e paralelo às saídas de ar resultando em zero de concentração sobre as gaiolas; porém uma acumulação de gás ocorreu abaixo das gaiolas devido a uma distribuição não uniforme do ar. Com base nos resultados foram realizadas modificações na arquitetura das instalações, incluindo a abertura de entrada de vento na parte inferior do galpão. Tais modificações permitiram diminuir, notoriamente, os gradientes de concentração térmica e amoníaco.

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