EndPhase

EndPhase is the final phase in a crop’s phenological development. Once this phase is reached, the crop remains in this state indefinitely until it is harvested or removed.

Overview

In the APSIM Next Gen phenology system, crop development is divided into sequential phases. EndPhase defines the last phase in this sequence. When the crop reaches this stage, it no longer accumulates thermal time or progresses through development.

This phase typically represents physiological maturity, senescence, or the point at which no further crop growth or development is expected. The model does not advance past this phase unless an external event (such as harvest or crop removal) occurs.

Model Structure

This section describes how this model is positioned within the APSIM framework. It outlines the broader structural and computational components that define its role and interactions in the simulation system.

This model inherits structural and functional behaviour from the following core APSIM components:

Connections to Other Components

This section describes how the model interacts with other components in the APSIM Next Generation framework.
These connections allow the model to exchange information—such as environmental conditions, developmental stage, or physiological responses—with other parts of the simulation system. For a general overview of how model components are connected in APSIM, see the Connections Overview.

Component Model Connection Type Description
Phenology Phenology Valid Parent Parent component managing phenological development.

Model Variables

This section lists the key variables that describe or control the behaviour of this component. Some variables can be adjusted by the user to modify how the model behaves (configurable), while others are calculated internally and can be viewed as model outputs (reportable). For a general explanation of variable types and how they are used within the APSIM Next Generation framework, see the Model Variables Overview.

Configurable and Reportable Properties

Property Type Description
Start string Stage name marking the beginning of this phase
End string Stage name marking the end of this phase (typically not used)
IsEmerged bool Indicates whether the crop has emerged (default: true)

Read-Only Reportable Properties

Property Type Description
FractionComplete double Always returns 0.0
Target double Always returns 0 (no thermal time required)

Processes and Algorithms

This section describes the scientific processes and algorithms represented by this component. Each process corresponds to a biological, physical, or chemical mechanism simulated during a model time step. Where appropriate, equations or conceptual summaries are provided to explain how the process operates within the APSIM Next Generation framework.

Once the crop enters the EndPhase, it performs no further development:

  • FractionComplete is always 0.0, indicating the phase never progresses
  • Target thermal time is 0, meaning no thermal time accumulation is required
  • DoTimeStep() always returns false, indicating no development occurs on any timestep
  • ResetPhase() performs no action as there is no state to reset

This phase ensures the crop’s development is paused or concluded until harvest or removal.

User Interface

EndPhase can be added as a child of a Phenology node in the model tree. Right-click the parent node, select “Add Model…”, and search for EndPhase in the Filter Box.

Configuration Steps

  1. Right-click on a Phenology component in the model tree
  2. Select “Add Model…”
  3. Choose “EndPhase”
  4. Set Start to the name of the stage where final development begins (e.g., “HarvestRipe”)

No child models are needed for EndPhase.

Practical Example

Use EndPhase in a crop model where development halts at a defined maturity point:

  • Set Start = "HarvestRipe"
  • Set IsEmerged = true (if the crop is above ground at this stage)
  • The crop will remain in this phase until harvested

For example, in a wheat simulation, the EndPhase typically begins after the grain filling phase is complete, marking physiological maturity. The crop remains at this stage until the harvest operation is triggered.

See Also