Regional modeling of winter wheat yield and water productivity under water-saving irrigation scenarios

Abstract Wheat is the major agricultural crop in Iran. Using reliable tools to estimate wheat grain yield may help regional planners and stakeholders employ proper cultivation approaches increase different regions. The process-based growth models are essential analytical for representing main interactions between environment, crop, resources, production. For these reasons, have been used as an important component productive farming systems assessing improving production at field scales. In this study, parameterized AquaCrop model was employed simulate four elements that affect process, such soil water content, canopy cover, biomass, yield, of three irrigated winter cultivars. experiments were conducted locations with climatic conditions south southwest Iran during consecutive growing seasons 2016–2017, 2017–2018, 2018–2019. Results showed had simulation content normalized root mean squared error (NRMSE) Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient (CNS) ranging from 0.05 0.15 0.69 0.85, respectively, study locations. NRMSE CNS ranged 0.10 0.21 0.83 0.97 respectively. values 0.11–0.26 0.80–0.97 These results indicate has high skill cultivars vast regions southern part then irrigation productivity (WP) 324 scenarios, including nine sowing dates, levels, conditions. it skillful WP conditions, deficit dates. Overall, could be a decision-making tool managers stakeholders.