Using SWAP model for simulation of cotton yield under different soil and water salinities for an arid region of Iran

Salinity is currently one of the most severe abiotic factors limiting agricultural production especially in arid and semi-arid regions. This study was carried out in two different soil textures to simulate the relationship among yield, irrigation water salinity and soil salinity for cotton in an arid region located in Semnan Province (52?25' N 35?11' E), central part of Iran with area of 35000 ha including 94 villages belonged to irrigation network of Garmsar district. For simulation, the SWAP model was linked to the SENSAN model. The data collected from the above 94 villages for years 1998 to 2007 were used to calibrate and evaluate yield of cotton using the SWAP model. Results of the model analysis showed that SWAP model is able to predict yield with good degree of accuracy. The sensitivity of the crop to soil and irrigation water salinities was determined. The SWAP model can be used as a management tool technique to have good prediction of crop yield under salinity conditions of the arid region.

Keywords:

Salinity , SWAP model , Yield