This text examines both the crop ecology and the modelling of a broad range of biotic and abiotic factors. These factors include environmental factors, such as temperature, solar radiation and carbon dioxide, as well as air- and soil-borne diseases and pest. The use of models in practice (decision-support systems) and in science (modelling sustainability and agro-ecological zoning) is treated. Although the potato crop is used as an example, this book provides the current state of knowledge of both the crop physiology and modelling of a field-grown crop and as such is of interest to any scientist dealing with field-grown crops.