Application of AquaCrop Model in a Drip Irrigated Maize under Deficit Irrigation and Different Cultivation Managements

In this research the performance of Aquacrop model was calibrated and validated to predict crop yield and water use efficiency of Maize in Miandoab region. The field experiment was conducted on strip split plot based on completely randomized design for SC704 variety of maize under three irrigation treatments¡ with three repetitions include: 80¡ 100 and 120% crop water requirement and three planting densities (75000¡ 90000 and 105000 bushes in hectare) and planting in one and two rows under drip irrigation system during 2005 and 2006. The model was calibrated by first year’s (2005) data¡ and validated by second year’s (2006) data. Results show that the Aquacrop Model has a high accuracy in forecasting of yield and water use efficiency with perfect and precise calibration. Normalized Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE) of yield and water use efficiency prediction was obtained for validation about 1.92 and 1.82%. The Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (EF) of yield and water use efficiency prediction were calculated for model validation about 82.5 and 97.7%¡ respectively that indicated modeling with high accuracy. Therefore¡ based on calibrated crop coefficient in this study¡ the Aquacrop model was suggested for applying of different irrigation level and crop density and implants type (one or two row) managements in this region.