ABSTRACT

Crop simulation models are tools to help scientists, farmers and policymakers develop strategies for increasing agricultural productivity and sustainability in various climatic and environmental scenarios. Crop models use mathematical algorithms that represent quantitative knowledge of crop growth and environmental interactions to create dynamic simulations based on the principles of crop physiology, soil science and agro-meteorology. Models use daily solar radiation, maximum and minimum temperatures, rainfall, initial soil conditions, soil characteristics, cultivar characteristics and crop management inputs to simulate crop development dynamics (phenology), biomass accumulation, yield, water use and nutrient uptake.