Identifying Agronomic Strategy for a Low-Carbon Economy Under the Effects of Climate Change by Using a Simulation-Optimization Hybrid Model
, Siyu Sun 1, Wei Jiang 2, Qilin Yu 3, Wei Ma 4,*, Shaoyuan Feng 1, Fusheng Wang 5 and Zuping Xu 1,6,*Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThis study proposes a simulation-optimization hybrid model to derive long-term best management practices (BMPs) for economic and social benefits under the impact of future climate change. By integrating four core components (orthogonal sampling module, climate prediction module, RZWQM2 simulation module, and optimization analysis module) into RZWQM2 (RZWQM2-OOA), it enables high-fidelity simulation of crop growth and carbon emissions under complex management practice-climate combinations, while efficiently deriving optimal management practices. The developed model was applied to the actual irrigated continuous corn (Zea mays L.) production system in the United States. Although it is a well-organized study, it would be good to supplement it by taking into account the comments below.
1. In Section 2, since the proposed hybrid simulation and optimization model poses a risk of confusion with existing simulation-based optimization, it is important to clarify that simulation and optimization are separate processes in the proposed methodology. For reference, simulation-based optimization is a widely known methodology in which an optimization module selects parameters (values) for decision variables, performs a simulation to evaluate these parameters, and if the result is not optimal, selects different decision parameters and re-evaluates them. To reduce confusion, the authors need to specifically explain the separation of simulation and optimization in their proposed methodology and the relationship between them.
2. Regarding the above comment, although the optimization formula is described in Line 184, it is not clear how the decision variables change during the optimization process and how the selected parameters are evaluated.
3. The proposed methodology was validated using a single case study of corn production in the United States, making generalization difficult. Therefore, its limitations will be discussed in the Conclusion.
Author Response
The detailed point-by-point responses can be found in the attachment.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsIdentifying agronomic strategy for a low-carbon economy under the effects of climate change by using a simulation-optimization hybrid model
line 229 'with N2O having 298-fold the GWP of CO2 [4]' reference [4] refers to the IPCC. Climate Change 2023: AR6 Synthesis Report, please explain why a GWP of 298 is used for N2O and not 273 which is the GWP for N2O according to the AR6 report
line 381 impacts of shallow tillage - does the model allocate an increased risk of soil compaction compared to conventional tillage? which may impact yield and soil N2O emissions
line 411 'decreased fertilization (Fig.3-a-1 and Fig.3-b-1), which enhances microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) and promotes carbon sequestration' - is this nitrogen fertiliser? as some other studies disagree with this statement citing insufficient nitrogen may result in a decrease in the quantity of CO2 transformed into stable soil carbon forms - is a point for discussion presenting both sides of the argument
Author Response
The detailed point-by-point responses can be found in the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
