Test of AquaCrop model in simulating biomass and yield of water deficient and irrigated barley
Abstract
186 words
With the current water shortage in Eastern Africa, improving
crop water use is vital especially in the arid and semi-arid regions
of Ethiopia. To understand the response of barley (Hordeum
vulgare) to water and to simulate the biomass and grain yield
of barley under various water inputs and planting dates, we
tested the FAO AquaCrop model versions 3.0 using independent
data sets during the cropping seasons of 2006, 2008 and 2009
at Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. The model was found to be
valid in simulating barley biomass and grain yield under various
planting dates in the study site. AquaCrop model can be used in
the evaluation of optimal planting time. Out of the tested planting
dates, planting on July 4 (early sowing) was found to maximize
barley biomass, grain and water use efficiency. The model can
also be used in the evaluation of irrigation strategies. Barley
showed slightly lower performance under mild water stress
condition compared to full irrigation condition. However, the
model has indicated the possibility of obtaining more biomass
and grain yield from a relatively larger barley field under (deficit
irrigation) mild stress condition.
Subjects
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