Calibration and validation of SALTMED model under dry and wet year conditions using chickpea field data from Southern Portugal

The SALTMED model is one of the few available generic models that can be used to simulate crop growth with an integrated approach that accounts for water, crop, soil, and field management. It is a physically based model using the well-known water and solute transport, evapotranspiration, and water uptake equations. In this paper, the model simulated chickpea growth under different irrigation regimes and a Mediterranean climate. Five different chickpea varieties were studied under irrigation regimes ranging from rainfed to 100 % crop water requirements, in a dry and a wet year. The calibration of the model using one of the chickpea varieties was sufficient for simulating the other varieties, not requiring a specific calibration for each individual chickpea variety. The results of calibration and validation of the SALTMED model showed that the model can simulate very accurately soil moisture content, grain yield, and total dry biomass of different chickpea varieties, in both wet and dry years. This new version of the SALTMED model (v. 3.02.09) has more features and possibilities than the previous versions, providing academics and professionals with a very good tool to manage water, soil, and crops.     

The effect of deficit irrigation with treated wastewater on sweet corn: experimental and modelling study using SALTMED model

This study investigated the impact of using treated wastewater and deficit irrigation on yield, water productivity, dry matter and soil moisture availability. The experiment included six treatments of deficit irrigation with treated wastewater during the 2010 and 2011 seasons and two deficit irrigation treatments combined with 3 organic amendment levels during the 2012 season. The experimental and SALTMED modelling results indicated that regulated deficit irrigation when applied during vegetative growth stage could stimulate root development, increase water and nutrient uptake and subsequently increase the yield. The organic amendment has slightly improved yield under full irrigation but had relatively small effect under stress conditions. The SALTMED model results supported and matched the experimental results and showed similar differences among the different treatments. The model proved its ability to predict soil moisture availability, yield, water productivity and total dry matter for three growing seasons under several deficit irrigation strategies using treated wastewater. The high values of the coefficient of determination R ² reflected a very good agreement between the model and observed values. The SALTMED model results generally confirm the model’s ability to predict sweet corn growth and productivity under deficit irrigation strategies in the semi-arid region.     

RZWQM2模型对河北坝上地区大白菜模拟适用性评价

为明析根区水质模型(RZWQM2)对河北坝上地区蔬菜作物的适用性,以该地区膜下滴灌大白菜为研究对象,建立模型运行的气象、土壤及作物数据库,模拟2018年和2019年大白菜生育期内田间土壤水分动态变化、作物株高变化及最终产量,并通过实测值进行对比分析.结果表明:①经过对该模型参数的校准,得到各土层(20 cm、40 cm...     

Crop coefficient, yield response to water stress and water productivity of teff (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.)

In the semi-arid region of Tigray, Northen Ethiopia a two season experiment was conducted to measure evapotranspiration, estimate yield response to water stress and derive the crop coefficient of teff using the single crop coefficient approach with simple, locally made lysimeters and field plots. During the experiment we also estimated the water productivity of teff taking into account long-term rainfall probability scenarios and different levels of farmers’ skills. During the experimental seasons (2008 and 2009), the average potential evapotranspiration of teff ranged from 260 to 317 mm. The total seasonal water requirement of teff was found to lower in contrast to the assumptions of regional agronomists that teff water requirement is comparable to that of wheat and barley (375 mm). The average single crop coefficient values (k_c) for the initial, mid and late season stages of teff were 0.8-1, 0.95-1.1 and 0.4-0.5, respectively. The seasonal yield response to water stress was 1.04, which indicates that teff exhibits a moderately sensitive and linear response to water stress. The results suggest that teff is likely to give significantly higher grain yield when a nearly optimal water supply is provided. The study showed that, in locations where standard equipment is not affordably available, indicative (rough) crop evapotranspiration values can be obtained by using field plots and employing locally made lysimeters. The difference in economic water productivity (EWP) and the crop water productivity (CWP) for teff were assessed under very wet, wet, normal, dry and very dry scenarios. In addition two groups of farmers were evaluated, a moderately (I) and a highly skilled (II) group. The results showed that higher EWP and CWP were obtained under very wet scenario than very dry scenario. There was also a 22% increase in EWP and CWP under group II compared to group I farmers. The increase was due to a 22% reduction in unwanted water losses achieved through use of improved technology and better irrigation skills. Both EWP and CWP can be used to evaluate the pond irrigation water productivity (IWP) for a given climate, crop and soil type, and skill and technology level of the farmer. For special crops like teff extra criteria may be needed in order to properly evaluate the pond irrigation water productivity. During the experimental seasons, a high IWP for teff was attained when about 90% of the optimal water need of the crop was met. IWP can be used as an indicator as how much supplementary irrigation has to be applied in relation to the rainfall and other sources of water supply in order to assure greatest yield from a total area. However, the supplemental irrigation requirement of the crops may vary with season due to seasonal rainfall variability.     

实用型滴灌灌溉计划制定方法

介绍了适合日光温室、塑料大棚等设施栽培和小块农田经济作物栽培滴灌灌溉计划制定的2种方法。方法一：将真空表负压计埋在滴头正下方20cm深度处监测土壤水势，每次的灌水量相同，或者将作物整个生育期分为2～3个生长阶段，每个生长阶段内每次的灌水量相同．只要土壤水势超出预定的范围，就进行灌溉。对于大部分作物，只要每次的灌水量在5mm左右，土壤水势保持在25～35kPa的范围内，就能获得比较理想的产量。方法二：在冠层顶部放置一个20cm标准蒸发皿，灌溉频率一定．将一个灌水周期内蒸发皿的蒸发量乘以比例系数作为下一个灌水周期的灌水量。对于大部分日光温室和塑料大棚栽培的作物来说，只要将这个比例系数定为1，灌水周期定为每天1次、每2天1次或每3天1次，就能获得比较理想的产量。     

Drip irrigation water and salt flow model for table grapes in Coachella Valley,California

Unlike annual crops where reclamation leaching of salts can be readily conducted between cropping, leaching of salts in permanent crops that are drip irrigated pose challenges. A need exists to formulate and test a management-type of salinity model for drip irrigation of table grapes. The model reported herein predicts the distribution of salts along the vine row and between the rows during the growing season, as affected by reactivity of salts of the applied irrigation water as well as rate and duration of drip application. The calibrated model reproduced the initial field salinity profiles after repeated irrigation cycles by adjusting only the routing factor α which is the ratio of horizontal to vertical water flow. After eight cycles the profiles stabilized and the calibrated horizontal to vertical flow routing ratio was 0.6. There is remarkable agreement between measured and simulated salinity. Corresponding soil moisture profiles show the expected high water content with depth at the emitter, the decrease in surface water content with radial distance and the increase with depth, at the distal end of the wedge. Although the model is location specific it can be applied knowing soil, initial and boundary conditions, as well as irrigation application quantity and quality and as such can be applied location by location in order to assess flow and quality of deep percolation recharging the groundwater system. With this capacity the model can predict soil water quantity and quality outcomes for possible land and water management scenarios.     

Nitrogen balance and irrigation water productivity for corn, sorghum and durum wheat under direct seeding into mulch when compared with conventional tillage in the southeastern France

Direct seeding into mulch (DSM) reduces soil evaporation. Therefore, DSM can decrease the crop water demand. Furthermore, DSM provides a favorable food source for soil microorganisms that can enhance the degradation of organic matter and improve nitrogen (N) availability for crops. Nowadays, a major challenge in irrigation is to increase irrigation water productivity (WP). This study assessed the impact of DSM on the N balance and WP according to experimental results compared with conventional tillage (CT). The results showed that DSM could mitigate N losses and improve WP for corn and sorghum. Because of field experimental limitations, PILOTE, an operational model, was employed to test the hypothesis that DSM can be more efficient in water use. PILOTE was adapted and then calibrated and validated in the same experimental station. Taking into account the cover crop season, the model simulated the irrigation amount for a corn crop with a target yield of 14 t/ha during the long climatic series of 1991–2007. The results showed a WP increase from 77 with CT to 102 kg/mm with DSM. DSM can improve WP and save a water application depth of 40 mm compared to CT, which is interesting in a context with water scarcity.     

Conjunctive use of saline and non-saline irrigation waters in semi-arid regions

In arid and semi-arid regions, effluent from sub-surface drainage systems is often saline and during the dry season its disposal poses an environmental problem. A field experiment was conducted from 1989 to 1992 using saline drainage water (EC=10.5–15.0 dS/m) together with fresh canal water (EC=0.4 dS/m) for irrigation during the dry winter season. The aim was to find if crop production would still be feasible and soil salinity would not be increased unacceptably by this practice. The experimental crops were a winter crop, wheat, and pearl-millet and sorghum, the rainy season crops, grown on a sandy loam soil. All crops were given a pre-plant irrigation with fresh canal water. Subsequently, the wheat crop was irrigated four times with different sequences of saline drainage water and canal water. The rainy season crops received no further irrigation as they were rainfed. Taking the wheat yield obtained with fresh canal water as the potential value (100%), the mean relative yield of wheat irrigated with only saline drainage water was 74%. Substitution of canal water at first post-plant irrigation and applying thereafter only saline drainage water, increased the yield to 84%. Cyclic irrigations with canal and drainage water in different treatments resulted in yields of 88% to 94% of the potential. Pearl-millet and sorghum yields decreased significantly where 3 or 4 post-plant irrigations were applied with saline drainage water to previous wheat crop, but cyclic irrigations did not cause yield reduction. The high salinity and sodicity of the drainage water increased the soil salinity and sodicity in the soil profile during the winter season, but these hazards were eliminated by the sub-surface drainage system during the ensuing monsoon periods. The results obtained provide a promising option for the use of poor quality drainage water in conjunction with fresh canal water without undue yield reduction and soil degradation. This will save the scarce canal water, reduce the drainage water disposal needs and associated environmental problems.     

Planning and management modeling for treated wastewater usage

Due to urban growth, some agricultural lands have been replaced by residential, municipal, and industrial areas. In some cases the remaining agricultural land will not have enough water because of transfers from agriculture to M&I (municipal and industrial) users. Therefore, in many places, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, the use of treated wastewater as a reliable source of irrigation water has already been, or will be, considered in the future. Due to its unique characteristics, this new resource has many challenges that cannot be ignored, such as health issues, water quality, and long- and short-term effects on soils and crops. The study described herein considered the development of a new GIS-based model for planning and managing the reuse of treated wastewater for the irrigation of agricultural and green lands, considering various factors such as population and urban growth. The model is composed of several different modules, including an urban growth model. These modules are designed to help in the decision-making process for allocations of water resources to agricultural areas, considering factors such as crop types, crop pattern, water salinity, soil characteristics, pumping and conveyance costs, and also by comparing different management scenarios. Appropriate crops that can be grown with a specific water salinity and soil characteristics, proper water resources for each farm (according to pumping and conveyance costs, and analysis of water demand, and water supply) can be determined through the application of this model. The model can also rank agricultural areas and open spaces in and near an urban area according to their suitability for irrigated agriculture.     

The soil water balance of rainfed and irrigated oats,Italian rye grass and rye using the CropSyst model

Crop growth models have been used in simulating the soil water balance for purposes of irrigation management and yield predictions. The application of CropSyst, a cropping systems simulation model, was evaluated for Cedara, South Africa. Simulations included soil water balance of fallow land and rainfed and irrigated winter crops [oats (Avena sativa), Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) and rye (Secale cereale)]; and irrigation scheduling of the winter crops. Soil, plant, weather and management inputs were used for the soil water balance simulations. Model crop parameters were used from past experiments or obtained from model documentation, with a slight modification to account for varietal differences. The fallow land soil water simulations were more accurate for dry than for wet soil. For all three winter crops, the model consistently over-estimated the soil water content in the upper layers, with a good agreement for the deeper layers until a large precipitation event occurred to which the model responded more slowly than that observed. Simulations using model-scheduled irrigation based on 0.4 and 0.6 maximum allowable depletion criteria indicated that the observed applied irrigation in the field was more than that required. Soil water depletion and accumulated transpiration simulations were similar in both the observed and model-scheduled irrigations, but total soil evaporation and percolation were greater in the case of the observed than the model-scheduled irrigations. Irrigation scheduling using crop growth models may assist in avoiding over- or under-application of irrigation applications by ensuring efficient utilization of rain and irrigation.     

Overestimation of soybean crop transpiration by sap flow measurements under field conditions in Central Portugal

Direct measurements of the xylem sap flow by the stem heat balance technique can be a valuable aid for determining the irrigation demand of field crops. In the present study, soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) sap flow was evaluated under well-watered and water-stressed conditions using Dynamax SGA10 sap flow gauges. Solar radiation was measured continuously throughout the growing season. Soil water content was measured before and after each irrigation. There was a close relationship between solar radiation and xylem sap flow. The water flux in the soybean stems responded realistically to changes in the soil water content. However, the absolute values of sap flow were highly questionable. Calculating crop transpiration from sap flow measurements, the results were up to 4 times as high as calculated transpiration from soil moisture data and simulated transpiration using the locally calibrated soybean crop growth model SOYGRO. A sensitivity analysis of the stem heat balance technique gave no indications of technique or input errors. The gauge design was possibly not appropriate for the outdoor installation on soybeans.     

Adapting the CROPGRO model for saline soils: the case for a common bean crop

Water scarcity and severe environmental degradation are causing water managers in the Fergana Valley, Uzbekistan to re-evaluate irrigation water use. Crop models could play an important role in helping farmers decide which systems (crops and irrigation technologies) are feasible. CROPGRO is a physiologically robust agronomic model, although the current version does not consider the effects of soil salinity on crop water use or growth. CROPGRO was modified to include a salinity response function and was tested for gypsiferous soils. A qualitative analysis of the model indicated the model performed as expected under a range of atmospheric, irrigation and crop tolerance scenarios. Model simulations compared very favourably for common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) to results obtained in the greenhouse for yield and seasonal crop evapotranspiration with values of the Willmott agreement index (i) of 0.98 for both variables evaluated at different levels of salinity and deficit irrigation. Final biomass predictions were less satisfactory, although the modified model performed as well as the original model. The modified model was successfully tested with field data on common bean from an experiment in the Fergana Valley (i of 0.75 for ET and 0.74 for final yield), although the sensitivity of the model to a soil fertility function and relative nodule number made it difficult to assess the model performance.     

Yield and economic return of vegetable crops under variable irrigation

 Field experiments were conducted for 2 years (1997 and 1998) on sandy loam soil in northwestern Botswana to study the effect of five levels of pan evaporation replenishment (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%) on marketable yield, yield components, irrigation production efficiency and economic return of winter broccoli, carrot, rape and cabbage under a drip irrigation method. The highest mean marketable yield (2 years) of broccoli (19.1 t/ha), carrot (58.9 and 32.9 t/ha), rape (61.8 t/ha) and cabbage (97.2 t/ha) was recorded at 80% of pan evaporation replenishment. The irrigation production efficiency of broccoli (5.9 kg/m³), rape (14.6 kg/m³) and cabbage (23.6 kg/m³) was maximum at 80, 20 and 60% of pan evaporation replenishment respectively. Irrigation replenishment up to 80% of pan evaporation loss did not influence the irrigation production efficiency for total and root yield of carrot. The results revealed that a further increase in irrigation amount resulting from 100% of pan evaporation replenishment did not increase the marketable yield of crops but reduced the irrigation production efficiency significantly. The seasonal water applied and marketable yield of broccoli, carrot, rape and cabbage showed quadratic relationships (R ² = 0.85–0.98), which can be used for allocating irrigation water within and between the crops. The net return increased with the increase in pan evaporation replenishment. The results revealed that the rape crop is the most remunerative, followed by cabbage, broccoli and carrot. Received: 2 November 1998     

Deficit irrigation under water stress and salinity conditions: The MOPECO-Salt Model

In both arid and semi-arid areas the use of saline water for irrigation is a common practice, even though it may cause a drop in crop yield and progressive soil salinization. In order to determine the most suitable irrigation strategy for higher yield, profitability, and soil salinity management of certain crops, the MOPECO-Salt Model has been developed. This model was first validated in the Eastern Mancha Agricultural System in Albacete (Spain) through a test carried out on onion crop in April-September 2009, where the simulated yield was 2% lower than the observed one. The model was then tested at Tal Amara Research Station in the Central Bekaa Valley Agricultural System (Lebanon) using data from a 5-year experiment on the effects of deficit irrigation on two cultivars of potato (Spunta: July-October 2001, and June-September 2002; and Agria: March-August 2004, 2005, and 2007). Furthermore, these results were compared with those obtained through AquaCrop, which does not currently assess crop response to salinity. Differences between observed and simulated yields were lower than 3% for MOPECO-Salt and up to 12% for AquaCrop. According to findings from simulations, the irrigation strategies without leaching fraction employed in both areas are remediable since the off-season rainfall is sufficient to wash out soluble salts supplied with irrigation water. Results showed that as much as 14.4% water could be saved when this strategy was adopted for onion crops.     

气候变化对区域农业灌溉用水影响分析

从气候变化对区域灌溉用水影响机理入手,利用区域经济发展、灌溉用水、种植结构等因素之间动态反馈关系,采用系统动力学建模方法,构建了气候变化背景下灌溉用水响应模型,分析了未来不同气候情景下宝鸡峡灌区灌溉用水的变化过程。结果表明,随着未来气温升高趋势的增加,灌溉用水亦呈明显升高趋势,不同情景稍有差异,但差别不大,而不同作物间差异较大。以B1情景为例,温度升高1℃,灌区内灌溉净需水量约增加12050×104m3,毛需水量约增加20080×104m3,灌区内小麦单位面积约增加需水量28m3/亩;玉米约增加8m3/亩,这可能与冬小麦和夏玉米生育期的变化有关,应进一步加强研究。     

河西绿洲灌区主要作物需水量及作物系数试验研究

利用Penman-Monteith公式计算了甘肃张掖绿洲主要作物各生育期参考作物蒸散量,利用农田水量平衡方程及土壤水分胁迫系数计算了作物实际蒸发蒸腾量,并计算比较了充分灌溉和非充分灌溉条件下不同生育期作物需水特征,确定了非充分灌溉条件下主要作物的作物系数。结果表明,非充分灌溉条件下,主要作物各生育期需水规律和充分灌溉具有一致变化趋势。非充分灌溉条件下,小麦、玉米、马铃薯全生育期作物系数平均值分别为0.81、0.7和0.73。在全生育期当中,随生育期的延续,主要作物叶面蒸腾比例逐渐增大,棵间蒸发逐渐减少。     

不同灌溉制度对根层土壤盐分影响的模拟

以河套灌区沙壕渠灌域为例,采用SaltMod模型探讨了不同灌溉制度对作物根层土壤盐分的影响.利用2008-2010年基础资料对模型进行率定和验证并对研究区的根层土壤盐分进行模拟和预测.结果表明:在现有灌排条件下,沙壕渠灌域的盐渍化程度基本达到较为稳定的水平,且有轻微脱盐趋势,未来10 a后作物根层土壤盐分降低3%.生育期土壤水盐垂直交换运动强烈,对于控制土壤盐分而言,灌水量越小越好;作物根层土壤盐分随冬灌灌溉定额的增大而减小,不同冬灌灌溉定额对应的根层土壤盐分最初的增加量均较大,但增加的趋势随时间逐渐降低.根据当地作物种植结构,综合考虑节水灌溉、作物产量和根层土壤水盐环境,建议研究区较优的作物生育期综合净灌溉定额为2 700~3 500 m³/hm²,冬灌净灌溉定额为2 700 m³/hm².     

An improved water use efficiency of cereals under temporal and spatial deficit irrigation in north China

Water shortage is the major bottleneck that limits sustainable development of agriculture in north China. Crop physiological water-saving irrigation methods such as temporal (regulated deficit irrigation) and spatial (partial root zone irrigation) deficit irrigation have been tested with much improved crop water use efficiency (WUE) without significant yield reduction. Field experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of (1) spatial deficit irrigation on spring maize in arid Inland River Basin of northwest China during 1997–2000; (2) temporal deficit irrigation on winter wheat in semi-arid Haihe River Basin during 2003–2007 and (3) temporal deficit irrigation on winter wheat and summer maize in Yellow River Basin during 2006–2007. Results showed that alternate furrow irrigation (AFI) maintained similar photosynthetic rate (P_n) but reduced transpiration rate (T_r), and thus increased leaf WUE of maize. It also showed that the improved WUE might only be gained for AFI under less water amount per irrigation. The feasible irrigation cycle is 7d in the extremely arid condition in Inner River Basin of northwest China and less water amount with more irrigation frequency is better for both grain yield and WUE in semi-arid Haihe River Basin of north China. Field experiment in Yellow River Basin of north China also suggests that mild water deficit at early seedling stage is beneficial for grain yield and WUE of summer maize, and the deficit timing and severity should be modulated according to the drought tolerance of different crop varieties. The economical evapotranspiration for winter wheat in Haihe River Basin, summer maize in Yellow River Basin of north China and spring maize in Inland River Basin of northwest China are 420.0 mm, 432.5 mm and 450.0 mm respectively. Our study in the three regions in recent decade also showed that AFI should be a useful water-saving irrigation method for wide-spaced cereals in arid region, but mild water deficit in earlier stage might be a practical irrigation strategy for close-planting cereals. Application of such temporal and spatial deficit irrigation in field-grown crops has greater potential in saving water, maintaining economic yield and improving WUE.     

Water balance and irrigation performance analysis: La Violada irrigation district (Spain) as a case study

Diagnosis of water management at the irrigation district level is required for the rational modernisation of the irrigation schemes and the subsequent increase in the efficiency of water allocation and application. Our objectives were to: (i) evaluate the global irrigation performance in the 5282 ha La Violada surface-irrigated district (Ebro River Basin, northeast Spain), and (ii) estimate the water that could potentially be conserved under two scenarios of modernisation and three increased irrigation efficiencies. The main district’s water inputs and outputs were measured (irrigation, precipitation, and outflow surface drainage) or estimated (canal releases, lateral surface runoff, municipal wastewaters, and actual evapotranspiration of crops) during the 1995–1998 hydrological years. The annual average water outputs were 23% higher than the corresponding water inputs, presumably due to canal seepage and lateral groundwater inflows from the 14 355 ha dry-land watershed. The district-level irrigation performance was poor (mean 1995–1998 seasonal irrigation consumptive use coefficient (ICUC)=48%), due to the low distribution (DE) and on-farm (ICUCf) efficiencies (i.e., mean estimates of 83% (DE) and 61% (ICUCf) for the 1995–1996 irrigation seasons). Thus, despite the high volume of applied irrigation water, the actual district ET was 16% lower than the maximum achievable ET, indicating that the water-stressed crops yielded below their maximums. Potential reductions in water allocation were estimated for three ICUC values (65, 75 and 85%) and two scenarios of modernisation (I and II). In scenario I, where the aim was to achieve maximum ET and crop yields, water allocation could be reduced from 8 to 30% of the current allocation. In scenario II, where the aim was to achieve the maximum conservation of water under the actual ET and crop yields, reductions in water allocation would be much higher (from 26 to 43% of current allocation). Thus, significant volumes of water could be conserved in the rehabilitation of this 50-year-old district by increasing the distribution efficiency and, in particular, the on-farm irrigation efficiency.     

基于作物生长模型的冬小麦灌溉方案研究

利用作物生长模拟模型(PS123),以黄淮海平原曲周砂壤土种植的冬小麦为例,对2 280个不同淡水灌溉方案和2 055个微咸水灌溉方案进行了模拟研究,分析了不同灌溉方案对作物生产力、水分利用效率的影响。结果表明,曲周地区多年冬小麦平均生产潜力为11.27 t/hm2,冬小麦最高生产潜力的最小需水量为240 mm,与目前节水灌溉试验相吻合;通过灌溉方案模拟,提出了在冬小麦生育期淡水灌溉1到4次,获得高产的最佳灌溉方案;在灌溉4次的冬小麦生产体系中,建议冬前用淡水灌溉,返青后可以考虑1～2次微咸水灌。