Simulation model for sorghum crop and its application

Crop growth and development models that are based on physiological and physical principles and are driven by daily weather variables enable quantitative description of the dynamic crop production system. Results of a sorghum growth simulation model-SORGF-were briefly described. The duration from emergence to panicle initiation and from emergence to physiological maturity were simulated within ±2 and ±4 days of the observed values, respectively. Simulated light transmission values were within ±15% of the observed values. The model simulated soil water and leaf area index fairly close to the observed values. The correlation coefficient between observed and simulated grain yield was 0.86. Applications of the model were illustrated using the examples in selecting optimum date of sowing and scheduling irrigation