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Research Project: ENHANCED SYSTEM MODELS AND DECISION SUPPORT TOOLS TO OPTIMIZE WATER LIMITED AGRICULTURE

Location: Agricultural Systems Research Unit

Title: A step by step procedure for parameterization, calibration, validation, and application of a system model in field research

Authors

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: August 5, 2009
Publication Date: November 4, 2009
Citation: Ma, L., Ahuja, L.R., Malone, R.W., Green, T.R. A Step by Step Procedure for Parameterization, Calibration, Validation, and Application of a System Model in Field Research. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts.

Interpretive Summary: Agricultural system models can greatly enhance and extend field research. However, they require a number of parameters for soil, crop, and weather variables. Most often, these parameters are difficult to measure and have to be estimated from some related available data or calibrated to match some measured outcomes. At present, there are no standard calibration procedures available for agriculture system models. In order to facilitate the use of models by field researchers, there is a need to develop such procedures and methodologies. Toward this goal, we present a step by step procedure for parameterization, calibration, validation, and further application of the ARS Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM2) with examples for some typical experimental conditions. Theoretic description of the model is given where appropriate for the users. The procedures and methodology given here should be applicable to other similar models.

Technical Abstract: Process-based system models can greatly enhance and extend field research. However, a model of the complex agricultural system requires a number of parameters for soil, crop, and weather variables. Most often, several of these parameters are difficult to measure and have to be estimated from some related available data or calibrated to match some measured outcomes. There can be a great deal of caution required in estimating and calibrating the parameters, as well as in validation and use of the model to extend research. At present, there are no standard calibration procedures available for agriculture system models. In order to facilitate the use of models by field researchers, there is a need to develop such procedures and methodologies. Toward this goal, we present a step by step procedure for parameterization, calibration, validation, and further application of the ARS Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM2) with examples for some typical experimental conditions. Theoretic description of the model is given where appropriate for the users. The procedures and methodology given here should be applicable to other similar models.

   

 
Project Team
Ma, Liwang
Ahuja, Lajpat - Laj
Ascough, James
McMaster, Gregory - Greg
Green, Timothy
 
Publications
   Publications
 
Related National Programs
  Water Availability and Water Management (211)
  Agricultural System Competitiveness and Sustainability (216)
 
Related Projects
   DEVELOP KNOWLEDGE BASE AND QUANTITATIVE TOOLS FOR OPTIMAL CROPS AND MGMT PRACTICES FOR VARIABLE LTD WATER CONDITIONS IN THE GREAT PLAINS
   RESEARCH AND MODIFY RZWQM2 MODEL FOR SIMULATING PESTICIDE TRANSPORT AND FATE IN SURFACE WATER FROM CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL FIELDS
   ENHANCED SYSTEM MODELS, MANAGEMENT AND CULTIVAR ADAPTATIONS TO LIMITED WATER AND CLIMATE CHANGE, AND TOOLS FOR PRECISION MANAGEMENT
 
 
Last Modified: 05/19/2013
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