Computer simulation model of lentil growth and development [Lens culinaris]
1994
McKenzie, B.A. | Hill, G.D. | Gallagher, J.N. (Lincoln Univ., Canterbury (New Zealand). Plant Science Dept.)
A computer simulation model of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) crop growth, development and yield has been developed and validated from five years of research in Canterbury, New Zealand. The model is based on the relationship between crop dry matter production and intercepted solar radiation. Submodels determining crop water-use and phenology are based on potential evapotranspiration and on accumulated thermal or photothermal time, respectively. The model has proved accurate for predicting various phenological events in Canterbury. Predicted dates of flowering were within 3 days of actual dates in 7 out of 8 sowing dates. Only in a crop which was severely infected with Botrytis cinerea were phenological predictions inaccurate. Crop growth and dry matter accumulation over the growing season were predicted reasonably well. However, actual late spring sowings tended to grow faster than the simulated spring sowings. Total dry matter production was predicted accurately with the predicted values over 8 sowing dates within 15 of the actual values. Analysis showed that the model was very sensitive to changes in the utilization coefficient, but less so to changes in the extinction coefficient and optimum temperature. The model requires more extensive validation particularly outside Canterbury. However, it is already useful in predicting yields, flowering dates and irrigation requirements of lentils in Canterbury
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