Assessment of AquaCrop model in the simulation of seed yield and biomass of Italian ryegrass

Abstract

Given that the optimal sowing rate and inter-row spacing of Italian ryegrass raised for seed have not been determined, the objective of this research was to assess the effect of crop density on biomass and seed yields under different climate conditions, applying the AquaCrop model. The data came from experiments conducted under moderate continental climate conditions at Stitar (Serbia) and Mediterranean climate conditions at Cukurova (Turkey). At Stitar, there were three different inter-row spacings (high (Sd), medium (Sm) and low (Sw) crop densities), while at Cukurova there was only high crop density (Sn). In the calibration process, the initial canopy cover, canopy expansion and maximal canopy cover were adapted to each crop density, while the other conservative parameters were adjusted to correspond to all climate conditions. Calibration results showed a very good match between measured and simulated seed yields; the values of the coefficient of determination (0.922). The biomass simulation was very good for Cukurova (R2 = 0.97), but somewhat poorer for Stitar (R2 = 0.72). Other statistical indicators were high such as Willmott index of agreement of both the calibrated and validated data sets, for both study areas >0.916 and normalized root mean square error in the range from 9–18%. The AquaCrop model was found to be more reliable for Italian ryegrass biomass and seed yield predictions under mild winter climate conditions, with adequate water supply, compared with moderate climate and water shortage conditions.