Simulation of tomato crop using EPIC model. First results [Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.]
2000
Rinaldi, M. | Gennaro, F. de (Istituto Sperimentale Agronomico, Bari (Italy)) | Di Lena, B. (Agenzia Regionale per i Servizi di Sviluppo Agricolo d'Abruzzo (ARSSA), Scerni, Chieti (Italy). Centro Agrometeorologico) | Di Paolo, E. (Centro per la Sperimentazione e Divulgazione delle Tecniche Irrigue (Co.T.Ir.), Vasto, Chieti (Italy))
First results of a simulation activity with EPIC model (Erosion Productivity Impact Calculator) of a tomato crop are reported. During the field experiment, carried out in 1999 in Vasto (Central Italy), soil moisture, leaf area development, above ground dry matter accumulation and fruit weight were monitored. Measured values were compared with simulated ones by EPIC model, using the Hargreaves, Priestley-Taylors, Penman and Penman-Monteith options, in order to estimate potential evapotranspiration (Eto). The results indicate that leaf area index does not depend by Eto formula, while above ground dry matter was simulated better with Penman and Penman-Monteith than other formulas. Fruit yield at harvest resulted greatly underestimated with Hargreaves option, probably because in this case the solar radiation is estimated by the model, while was in good accordance with measured values in the other cases. About soil water content, no significant difference resulted among the four options, showing, generally, a good performance of the model, especially in the upper layers. In conclusion, with the options requiring more climatic variables (Penman and Penman-Monteith) EPIC model simulates tomato growth satisfactorily: further validation activities using other data sets are needed, especially with the crop submitted to several water stress levels
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