Hybrid-Maize (www.hybridmaize.unl.edu)
is a computer program that simulates the growth and yield of a corn crop under
non-limiting or water-limited (rainfed or irrigated) conditions. Although the model has no nitrogen component yet, it can
contribute important information for fine-tuning N management decisions: (i) quantifying yield potential as the basis for setting
realistic yield goals to be used in prescribing total N rates and (ii)
in-season prediction of growth and yield potential to down- or upward adjust
late-season N applications. In the current season prediction mode, the
software allows real-time assessment of corn growth up to the current date
based on actual weather data, followed by prediction of growth and final yield
thereafter based on historical weather data for the remainder of the growing
season. Model validation using data from different
sites in Nebraska indicates that final yield predictions became accurate
shortly after silking, but relative
deviations from normal growth were detected earlier in both irrigated and
rainfed environments.