Calibration and validation of APSIM for maize grown in different seasons in Southwest tropic of China

In order to estimate the adaptability of Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM)-Maize model under special climate environment in tropic, 10 field experiments were conducted at different seasons three sites (Longchuan, Mangshi and Ruili) tropic Yunnan Province, China. The parameters APSIM calibrated its was validated. results showed that days from sowing flowering maturity predicted accurately for all with mean errors 2.0 ± 0.4, 3.2 0.7 d respectively. normalized root square (NRMSE) yield prediction 2%, 3% 5% each sites, respectively, which indicated had good accuracy sensitivity predicting phenological phases maize (Zea mays L.) grown seasons, Southwest This study provided basis technical support evaluating production potential based on model.