Parameterization of the APSIM model in a tropical environment under intercropping and rainfed conditions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-21252026v3913722rcKeywords:
Agricultural simulation. Crop model. Forage species.Abstract
Mechanistic models, such as the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM), are used to predict the growth of pasture species and grain crops in monoculture and intercropping systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of the APSIM model in simulating the growth and productivity of maize and Marandu palisadegrass in monoculture and intercropping systems in eastern Maranhão, Brazil. Data on biomass partitioning, climate, and soil properties were collected. Model calibration involved parameterizing the light extinction coefficient and radiation use efficiency, as well as adjustments to the phenological and structural parameters of maize. Additionally, dry biomass, leaf area index, and reproductive structures of maize plants were evaluated. The model satisfactorily simulated Marandu palisadegrass grown in monoculture, with R² values ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) values ranging from 0.08 to 0.97. However, simulations of intercropped Marandu palisadegrass were inaccurate, with R² values between 0.09 and 0.87 and NSE values ranging from –1035.25 to –3.33. The model performance ranged from inaccurate to accurate for maize grown in monoculture, with R² values between 0.11 and 0.90 and NSE values ranging from –0.37 to 0.90, and for intercropped maize, with R² values between 0.44 and 0.87 and NSE values ranging from –4.39 to 0.68. The APSIM model performed well in simulating Marandu palisadegrass grown in monoculture; however, inaccuracies were evident in simulations of intercropped Marandu palisadegrass. Simulations of maize, both in monoculture and intercropping systems, resulted in performance ranging from satisfactory to reasonable.
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