Document Type : Research Paper
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Abstract
In order to increase water productivity, a good understanding of crop response to water stress and tools which simplify the complex crop response to various environmental factors, especially to water, are needed.Simulation models that clarify the effects of water on crop yield are useful tools for improving farm level water management and optimizing water productivity. In this study, the WOFOST model was used to simulate two local rice varieties yield response under five irrigation treatments consisting of continuous flooding and irrigation at 0, 3, 6 and 9 days after disappearance of water from the soil surface. The experiment was conducted at Rasht region during two growing seasons of 2003 and 2004. The model was calibrated using the first year data and was validated using the second year data set. According to the results, the relative root mean square errors of grain yield simulation were 12.57% and 5.01% for Binam and Hasani cultivars in 2003, respectively. These values were 7.94% and 13.71% in 2004, respectively. The values of the observed and simulated water productivity based on precipitation and consumed water were close together. The results showed that the WOFOST model could simulate the effect of water on rice yield and water productivity in a humid region. Therefore, this model can be used to explore optimum management options to improve rice water productivity.
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