Virtual reality has become more important in the field of information technologies of modern agriculture,However, static geometric modeling predominate current VR applications, and dynamic models and interactions of real physical meanings or induced by real world physical rules have yet not been popularized. Because of the advantages by its nature. physics-based models and simulation an promote the reality of natural environment modeling, such as dynamic modeling of animals, plants, production scenes in agriculture, and enhance immersion of interactions in virtual reality. Based on the concept of virtual plant and digital plant, this paper introduces the innate character and significance of the physics-based method. Furthermore, the paper systematically summarizes the research developments of physics-based models and simulations in agricultural virtual reality environment, and analyzes application principles and common algorithms in morphology, kinematics, dynamics, biomechanics and modeling of environmental physical field. Finally, the possible effects and developing trends are discussed.

virtual reality  /  physics-based model  /  simulation  /  agriculture information technology