Point-based simulation of barley production using the crop growth simulation model WOFOST

WOFOST is one of the crop growth simulation models that are used to support agricultural decision-making and learning processes. In this paper, calibration and validation of WOFOST for barley (cv. Karoon dar Kavir) based on studies at the agro-meteorological station in Kaboutar Abad, Iran is carried out. Each year, phenological stages, irrigation dates, crop growth situation, total aboveground production and grain yield were reported in barley bulletins. However, the purpose of those studies was different from that of the current study hence, not all required data for model calibration were reported. In the calibration process, first phenological stages were fixed by comparison of total heat sums (in degree-days) from emergence until flowering (TSUM ) and from flowering to maturity (TSUM ) in different years. Total aboveground production and grain yield in experiments without water stress were used for calibration of crop parameters in the potential production situation. Finally, it is concluded that calibration of WOFOST is possible on the basis of historical and on-going studies at agricultural research centers, agricultural faculties and agro-meteorological stations, as long as they report all the recorded parameters.

Point-based simulation of barley production using the crop growth simulation model WOFOST Keywords:

Calibration , Crop model , Simulation , Validation , Uncertainty