Playing a crop simulation model using symbols and sounds: the ‘mandala’

Simulation models are primary tools for synthesizing plant physiological knowledge, supporting farmers’ decisions, and predicting crop yields and functioning under climate change. The conventional approach within the scientific community consists of disseminating model outcomes through articles and technical reports, often impeding the share of knowledge among science, policy, and society. This work presents the mandala (modeled and abstracted plant), a simulation model translating crop phenology and physiology as a function of environmental drivers into symbols and sounds, focusing on plant responses to cold, drought, and heat stresses. The mandala has been realized with object-oriented (C#) and visual (vvvv) programming, and the source code is free for extension and improvement. We tested the mandala in six heterogeneous climates to show the potential to convey essential information on maize and wheat growth and responses to abiotic stresses. Despite lacking in artistic refinement, this work attempts to illustrate that visual and sound art can serve as unconventional means of disseminating crop model insights while showing their potential to enhance the breadth of information delivered to the public.