CERES-Rice model: Calibration, evaluation and application for solar radiation stress assessment on rice production

Abstract

CERES-Rice model (DSSAT v. 4.0) was calibrated and evaluated for cultivar IR 36 at Cuttack, Cirissa using experimental data of wet seasons (June-December) 2001 and 2002. The model accurately predicted phenological events i.e. flowering and maturity date. The simulated grain yield at different N levels was in close agreement with experimental grain yield. Application of the model for, solar radiation stress assessment due to Atmospheric Brown Clouds on the same site during dry season (January-May) on historical weather data (1983-2002) revealed a reduction in rice grain yield by 4% with reduction of incident solar radiation by 30% under non-fertilized condition. Compared to non-fertilized condition, grain yield reduction was higher up to 12% with similar solar radiation stress under high rates of N application (120 kg N ha(-1)). The reduction in grain yield is associated with lower grain formation.