Calibration and Validation of AQUACROP and APSIM Models to Optimize Wheat Yield and Water Saving in Arid Regions

The APSIM-Wheat and AQUACROP models were calibrated for the Sakha 95 cultivar using phenological data, grain biomass yield, genetic parameters based on field observation. Various treatments of planting dates, irrigation, fertilization applied over two successive winter growing seasons 2019/2020 2020/2021. Both simulated anthesis, maturity aboveground accurately with high performances (coefficient determination, index agreement greater than 0.8, lower values root mean square deviation) in most cases. then employed to explore wheat yield water productivity (WP) response irrigation nitrogen applications. Scenario analyses indicated that ranged from 1.2–2.0 kg m–3 6.8–8.7 t ha–1, respectively. Application 0.8 actual evapotranspiration 120% recommended dose was best-predicted scenario achieving highest value crop WP. Investigating suitable option current by farmers (7.4 ha–1), demonstrated application 1.4 80% best achieve this yield. At point, predicted WP low recorded 1.5 m–3. Quantifying all districts studied area also both models. can be used drive management strategies terms N fertilizer regime under Egyptian conditions.