Publication Date:
1996-08-01
Description:
A modified version of the irrigation scheduling model SimISP (Simulating Irrigation Scheduling in Potatoes) was evaluated in terms of its ability to simulate the potato crop root zone soil water content through the growing season. The model uses daily radiation, temperature, humidity, windspeed, precipitation and seasonal crop and soil parameter inputs to estimate evaporation, transpiration, canopy expansion and dry matter accumulation. Recent cultivar-specific characteristics incorporated into the model allow for more precise simulations between cultivars.Simulations were conducted for rainfed, irrigated and artificial shelter-imposed stress conditions during four growing seasons on two soil types in Colchester County, Nova Scotia. Generally strong agreement between simulations and field measured (TDR) available soil water content in the top 15 cm of the soil profile was achieved with an average error within ± 4.7 mm and a relative error within ± 0.26. Larger errors were obtained for the 15- to 30-cm soil layer with average errors within ± 7.3 mm and the relative error within ± 0.52. Differences between model simulations and field measurements indicate the need for an improved root growth sub-model that is soil water sensitive and more precise estimates of soil water recharge after rain. Key words:Solanum tuberosum L., SimISP, simulation model
Print ISSN:
0008-4271
Electronic ISSN:
1918-1841
Topics:
Geosciences
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Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
