Validation of Aqua Crop 5.0 Model for Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Crop at Madakasira Region, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Crop simulation models were developed to estimate the effects of soil, water, nutrients on grain and biomass productivity and water consumption in different crops. In this study, the Aquacrop model was adopted to predict the volume of water consumed by crops in the Madakasira region, Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh. The culture of okra was selected for the study, using two irrigation methods: flood and drip. The model estimated the productivity of the crop and the amount of water needed for drip irrigation and flooding in that crop. the results were compared with field productivity, and their respective water requirements, and demonstrated yields of 4.3 t / ha in the flood irrigation system, with average water consumption of 326.6 mm / day, and in the field these values ​​were 3.5 t / ha average water consumption of 386 mm / day. And when using the drip irrigation system, the results obtained were: 5.2 t / ha with water consumption in the order of 320 mm / day, in comparison to the field crop that was 4.3 t / ha, consumption water of 300 mm / day. From the results, it was clear that the model simulates the real conditions of the culture. The cost-benefit ratio was made for experimental field data that clearly show that the yield of the crop under drip irrigation has reached the highest cost-benefit ratio. Therefore, the Aquacrop model was adequate to simulate the conditions of the crop in any circumstances.