Simulation of the soil-water dynamics and corn yields under deficit irrigation

Summary

A simulation model capable of predicting the yield response of corn to a limited water supply was developed by combining two existing mathematical models. The resulting computer model was evaluated using experimental data taken under a wide range of soil moisture conditions. The soil profile water balances was simulated using SWATRE and SUCROS was used to model the crop growth in response to environmental conditions. In addition to the integration of the two existing models, some minor changes were made to each in an effort to improve the accuracy of the combined models. The model input parameters were derived entirely from published literature. The experimental data necessary for model validation were available from irrigation studies at the Sandhills Agricultural Laboratory of the University of Nebraska. These experiments not only provided the required input soil and climatic data, but also the observed irrigation levels, soil moisture distributions and crop yield required for model validation. Initial evaluation of the computer model indicates that the combined model adequately describes crop evapotranspiration, soil moisture extraction and crop yield under a fairly wide range of soil moisture stress. Additional modifications for the prediction of leaf area expansion and senescence, especially under moisture stress, are needed to improve the accuracy of the model.