Methods of Introducing System Models into Agricultural Research

Why model? Agricultural system models enhance and extend field research...to synthesize and examine experiment data and advance our knowledge faster, to extend current research in time to predict best management systems, and to prepare for climate-change effects on agriculture. The relevance of such models depends on their implementation. Methods of Introducing System Models into Agricultural Research is the ultimate handbook for field scientists and other model users in the proper methods of model use. Readers will learn parameter estimation, calibration, validation, and extension of experimental results to other weather conditions, soils, and climates. The proper methods are the key to realizing the great potential benefits of modeling an agricultural system. Experts cover the major models, with the synthesis of knowledge that is the hallmark of the Advances in Agricultural Systems Modeling series. Foreword vii

Preface ix

Contributors xiii

1 A Protocol for Parameterization and Calibration of RZWQM2 in Field Research 1
L. Ma, L.R. Ahuja, S.A. Saseendran, R.W. Malone, T.R. Green, B.T. Nolan, P.N.S. Bartling, G.N. Flerchinger, K.J. Boote, and G. Hoogenboom

2 Special Features of the HERMES Model and Additional Procedures for Parameterization, Calibration, Validation, and Applications 65
K.C. Kersebaum

3 Parameterizing LEACHM Model for Simulating Water Drainage Fluxes and Nitrate Leaching Losses 95
Jay D. Jabro, John L. Hutson, and Ann D. Jabro,

4 Special Features of the SPACSYS Modeling Package and Procedures for Parameterization and Validation 117
L. Wu and A. Shepherd

5 Special Features of the DayCent Modeling Package and Additional Procedures for Parameterization, Calibration, Validation, and Applications 155
S.J. Del Grosso, W.J. Parton, C.A. Keough, and M. Reyes-Fox

6 Special Features of the EPIC and APEX Modeling Package and Procedures for Parameterization, Calibration, Validation, and Applications 177
Xiuying Wang, Armen Kemanian, and Jimmy Williams

7 Parameterization of the GPFARM-Range Model for Simulating Rangeland Productivity 209
S.G.K. Adiku, L.R. Ahuja, G.H. Dunn, J.D. Derner, A.A. Andales, L. Garcia, and P.N.S. Bartling

8 Spatial Relationships of Soil Properties, Crop Indices, and Nitrogen Application Pattern with Wheat Growth and Yield in a Field 229
Ole Wendroth, K. Christian Kersebaum, G. Schwab, and L. Murdock

9 Parameterization of Energy Balance Components and Remote Sensing in Systems Modeling 261
Jerry L. Hatfield

10 Quality Assurance of Weather Data for Agricultural System Model Input: A Case Study using the Walnut Creek Watershed in Central Iowa 283
R.W. Malone, D.W. Meek, L. Ma, D.B. Jaynes, B.T. Nolan, and D.L. Karlen

11 Modeling Winter Wheat Production across Europe with WOFOST—The Effect of Two New Zonations and Two Newly Calibrated Model Parameter Sets 297
Joost Wolf, Rudi Hessel, Hendrik Boogaard, Allard de Wit, Wies Akkermans, and Kees van Diepen

12 Inverse Modeling with RZWQM2 to Predict Water Quality 327
Bernard T. Nolan, Robert W. Malone, Liwang Ma, Christopher T. Green, Michael N. Fienen, and Dan B. Jaynes

13 Estimating DSSAT Cropping System Cultivar-Specific Parameters Using Bayesian Techniques 365
James W. Jones, Jianqiang He, Kenneth J. Boote, Paul Wilkens, C.H. Porter, and Z. Hu

14 The STICS Crop Model and Associated Software for Analysis, Parameterization, and Evaluation 395
S. Buis, D. Wallach, S. Guillaume, H. Varella, P. Lecharpentier, M. Launay, M. Guérif, J.-E. Bergez, and E. Justes

15 A Synthesis of Current Parameterization Approaches and Needs for Further Improvements
L.R. Ahuja and Liwang Ma

Index 441

About the Series 453

Dr. Laj Ahuja is a retired soil scientist at USDA in Fort Collins, CO.

Dr. Liwang Ma is a research soil scientist at the USDA-ARS Rangeland Resources and Systems Research Unit at Fort Collins. Dr. Ma's research interests include the use of system ecological and biophysical models to quantify agricultural production and environmental impacts at multiple spatiotemporal scales in rangelands and croplands.