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Title: CCROP-Simulation model for container-grown nursery plant production.

Author
item MILLION, J.B. - University Of Florida
item RITCHIE, J.T - University Of Florida
item YEAGER, T.H. - University Of Florida
item LARSEN, C.A. - University Of Florida
item WARNER, C.D. - University Of Florida
item Albano, Joseph

Submitted to: Scientia Horticulturae
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/22/2011
Publication Date: 10/1/2011
Citation: Million, J., Ritchie, J., Yeager, T., Larsen, C., Warner, C., Albano, J.P. 2011. CCROP-Simulation model for container-grown nursery plant production. Scientia Horticulturae. 130:874-886.

Interpretive Summary: A container crop plant growth simulation model has been developed as a decision support tool for growers. The model is called the Container Crop Resource Optimization Program (CCROP) and it is an integrative model which simulates the growth and water and nutrient requirements of woody plants grown in containers from 1 to 3 gallons in a field environment with overhead sprinkler irrigation. The model was developed to support best management practice decision-making in container nursery production.

Technical Abstract: Container Crop Resource Optimization Program (CCROP) is an integrative model which simulates the growth and water and nutrient requirements of a woody ornamental shrub grown in small (2.8–11.4 L) containers in a field environment with overhead sprinkler irrigation. The model was developed for producers, producer advisers and researchers to support best management practice decision-making in container nursery production. We describe the primary processes simulated by CCROP particularly how they differ from traditional crops grown in-ground and assess the ability of CCROP to simulate measured values for a range of irrigation and fertilizer trials and transplanting dates. Results of model testing with 11 trials indicate that CCROP provided reasonable outcomes for biomass and leaf area growth as well as evapotranspiration, runoff (container drainage plus un-intercepted irrigation and rainfall) and nitrogen loss.