calibration of a simple model (vsm) for yield prediction of corn under different water and nitrogen managements

abstract the application of the crop growth models could facilitate irrigation water and fertilizer management due to reduce of field visits and direct measurements. these models are often so complex that it is difficult to understand them and some of those input data are not accessible. in this study, a simple model (vsm) was used to yield prediction of corn under different water and nitrogen managements. in calibration process, the model parameters including maximum leaf area index, flowering and harvest time period, harvest index, and light use efficiency were estimated based on irrigation water and nitrogen application. the model was calibrated using data from a corn field experiment that involved a split-plot factorial design with three replications, four irrigation treatments and four nitrogen application rates. comparing of the measured and estimated values showed that the model could successfully estimate the yield for experiment data. the validated model can be used in managing of water and nitrogen for corn cultivation. however, it could be determined the optimum level of inputs before starting of the growth season.