Simulating N leaching in furrow irrigated corn

Crop simulation models are increasingly used to evaluate the effect of alternative agricultural practices on crop yields and the environment. Difficulty in obtaining concise field data often requires that simulation results reflect a single point assumed to represent average field condition. Results of this study indicate that the single point analysis can have significant effects upon estimates of nitrogen leaching and crop yield under various surface irrigation practices. Practices considered illustrate the effects of differences in infiltration along the row, between irrigations, and between irrigated sets. Attempts to add intermediate realism in describing the irrigation system may not improve yield and leaching estimates over the single point simulation when compared to simulation results where even more realism is introduced.