ARS | Publication request: Evaluating EPIC-based Harvest Index Approach for Yield Prediction and Response to Soil Water

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: August 15, 2007
Publication Date: December 10, 2007
Repository URL: http://a-c-s.confex.com/crops/2007am/techprogram/P34031.HTM
Citation: Mcmaster, G.S., Ascough Ii, J.C., Andales, A.A., Edmunds, D.A. 2007. Evaluating EPIC-based Harvest Index Approach for Yield Prediction and Response to Soil Water. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting, New Orleans, November 5,2007 (61-7).

Technical Abstract: The EPIC-based plant growth model has been used in many national modeling efforts such as WEPP, WEPPS, SWAT, and GPFARM. Many approaches are used in simulation models to predict final crop harvestable yield. The EPIC-based plant growth model uses the harvest index (HI, defined here as the ratio of harvestable yield to total aboveground biomass) approach to calculate yield. This talk explores the physiological basis of the HI approach and evaluates the approach over a broad range of environmental conditions in the Central Great Plains for several crops (e.g., wheat, corn, sorghum, sunflower, and proso millet). The long-term objective is identify areas for modification to improve yield predictions in diverse production environments. The framework used for this evaluation was the EPIC-based plant growth model incorporated into the GPFARM decision support system. Results of the evaluation will be presented.