Sink-pulled simulation of the maize crop

Abstract

Signature was redacted for privacy. Signature was redacted for privacy. Signature was redacted for privacy. Signature was redacted for privacy. Signature was redacted for privacy. Signature was redacted for privacy. Signature was redacted for privacy. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service Group, at the Grassland. Soil, and Water Research Laboratory at Temple, Texas. CERES-Maize requires two input files: the parameters input file and the weather-input file. The parameters input file contains variables for sowing date, plant population, latitude, planting depth, model output switches, irrigation switch, initial soil water status, soil water balance switch, soil parameters, irrigation dates and amounts, and genetic inputs. The genetic inputs are of three types: the relationship of growing degree days to phenological events, a photoperiod sensitivity coefficient, and yield estimates in terms of potential kernel number and potential kernel growth rate. The weatherinput file contains the variables: year, day of the year, daily values of total incoming solar radiation, maximum and minimum air temperature, and precipitation (Jones and ECiniry, 1986). Maize Vegetative Development The state of a plant is determined by both growth and development. Growth is the increase in weight, length, or area of the plant. Development is the sequencing of phenological events in the plant life cycle (Ritchie and NeSmith, 1991). The maize plant