Potato Simulation Model and its Evaluation in Selected Central European Country

Th e study was focused on evaluation of SUBSTOR – Potato model and its utilization in potato growing management in the Czech Republic. Th e experimental fi eld used for the model evaluation was located in Žabčice – South Moravia region with altitude of 179 meters above the sea level. Tuber yield served as reference for the model evaluation. Nine years experimental data set (1994 – 2002) was used for the model validation. Rosara cultivar represented very early growing potato, Karin cultivar depicted early growing potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in the experiment. Comparison between observed and simulated tuber yields presented the evaluation process of SUBSTOR – Potato model. Tuber yields simulated by the model showed excellent accuracy (R2 = 0.97) for Rosara cultivar, but only for four of tested years (1997, 1998, 1999 and 2002). Karin cultivar matched lower value (R2 = 0.43). Th e model tended to underestimate the tuber yield for non seasonable conditions (i.e. dry years – low amount of precipitation and its disordered distribution during the growing season or higher mean air temperature) and showed the sensitivity to selected cultivars. Study proved SUBSTOR – Potato model as suitable for utilization in potato management; however, potential diff erences might be expected while using the model under extreme weather conditions.