In the heart of Southwest China, where seasonal aridity and shallow groundwater present unique agricultural challenges, a team of researchers led by XING Jiacheng from Sichuan University’s Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction has developed an improved model to simulate crop growth and water dynamics. The improved WHCrop-Humid model, detailed in a recent study published in *Guan’gai paishui xuebao* (translated to English as “Journal of Hydraulic Engineering”), offers a promising tool for optimizing water use and supporting agricultural decision-making in regions facing water scarcity.
The study, which focused on maize growth data from experimental stations in Yanting, Sichuan Province, integrated modules for water exchange between the vadose zone and groundwater, surface runoff, and root development. These enhancements allow the model to better represent the influence of groundwater, surface water, and environmental changes such as light, temperature, and soil moisture on crop growth.
“Our improved model provides a more accurate simulation of evapotranspiration and maize yield, which is crucial for understanding crop-environment interactions and optimizing water use,” said XING Jiacheng, the lead author of the study.
The model’s performance was validated with impressive results. The determination coefficient (R2) for simulating the leaf area index (LAI) was 0.908, with a normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) of 0.117 and Willmott’s index of agreement (WIA) of 0.974. For cumulative evapotranspiration, the metrics were even more robust, with R2=0.986, NRMSE=0.087, and WIA=0.988. The model’s ability to simulate yield was equally impressive, with R2=0.984, NRMSE=0.434, and WIA=0.997.
The implications of this research extend beyond Southwest China. As global population growth and increasing water scarcity pose significant challenges to food security, particularly in arid regions, the improved WHCrop-Humid model offers a valuable tool for advancing precision agriculture and supporting sustainable water management.
“By improving water productivity and optimizing agricultural practices, this model can help mitigate the impacts of water scarcity and support food security in vulnerable regions,” XING Jiacheng added.
The study’s findings provide a solid foundation for future developments in the field, offering a more accurate and comprehensive tool for simulating crop growth and water dynamics in shallow groundwater and seasonally dry regions. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and water scarcity, the improved WHCrop-Humid model offers a beacon of hope for sustainable agriculture and water management.