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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #150318
Title: CROP SIMULATION MODELS FOR CORN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Author
item Reddy, Vangimalla
item Kim, Soo Hyung
item Timlin, Dennis

Submitted to: Models for Plant Growth and Control of Product Quality in Hoticultural Production
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/25/2003
Publication Date: 8/25/2003
Citation: Reddy, V., Kim, S., Timlin, D.J. 2003. Crop simulation models for corn growth and development [abstract]. Models for Plant Growth and Control of Product Quality in Hoticultural Production. Poster No. 519.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: This paper reviewed existing crop models for corn (Zea mays L.). Among them, CERES-Maize has been most widely used and validated by researchers since its development. It was developed specifically to simulate corn growth and development. Modifications and improvements have been made since its original version. It is currently included in DSSAT for simulation of corn growth and development. EPIC is another widely used model for corn. EPIC was developed to assess the effect of soil erosion on soil productivity. Since its original development, the model has been expanded and refined to allow simulation of various processes in agricultural management. Several attempts have been made to apply corn simulation models to predict the effects of global climate changes on corn production. The response of corn, a C4 crop, to rising temperature and elevated CO2 are expected to be different from major C3 crops. Corn simulation models that are based on mechanistic understanding of physiological and physical processes will be well suited for the global climate change studies. In our research group, we have set out a study to develop a mechanistic crop simulation model for corn that can be used as a decision-aid by farmers for a sustainable crop production. We also expect the model to be a useful resource for scientists who focus on such studies as global climate change and water quality. The corn model will be integrated into a suite of crop simulation models encompassing wheat, rice, soybean, cotton, peanuts, and potato. Based on the review of the existing corn models and other relevant models in various areas of plant and soil sciences such as GOSSYM, GLYCIM, and 2DSOIL, we present an outline and current state of development of the corn simulation model.