Estimating episodic recharge under different crop/pasture rotations in the Mallee region. Part 1. Experiments and model calibration

Changes in land use in the Mallee region of southeastern Australia have led to increased groundwater recharge and salinisation. This study was conducted to determine the impact of different agronomic practices on recharge control, in particular episodic recharge. During the period 1991–1995, two field experiments were carried out at Hillston (New South Wales) and Wallpeup (Victoria) where soil hydraulic properties, soil-moisture content, and leaf area index were measured. Various crop and pasture rotations were considered involving fallow, field pea (Piscum salivum L cv Dunndale), Indian mustard (Brassica juncca cv F2 cross), wheat (Triticum aestivum cv Janz Meering), oats (Avena sateva L. cv Coolabah), lucerne (Medicago sativa L. cv. Arora) and medic pastures (Medicago truncatula cv Parriagio, Sephi and Hykon). Data obtained from these experiments were used to calibrate and test a biophysically based model WAVES. With minimum calibration, the simulated soil-moisture content and leaf area index are in good agreement with field observations. The parameter values are within a physically reasonable range. The success of the model in simulating soil-moisture dynamics and plant growth was due to the accurate representation of the soil and canopy processes. WAVES combined with field measurements provides a powerful tool for estimating the impacts of land-management options on water balance.