Evaluation of a Crop Growth Model for Irrigated Crops.

Crop growth models (CGM) have been produced by USDA-ARS (Agricultural Research Service) for simulating the growth and development of crop plants.  The soybean CGM is called GLYCIM, which simulates the growth of vegetative and reproductive organs based on the plant’s physiological response to climate, soil properties, genetics and cultural practices.  The objective is to validate GLYCIM for drainage and irrigation practices.  Currently, GLYCIM has only been validated for the Mid-South and has not been validated for Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri.  Recent installation of a drainage-subsurface irrigation system at the new David M. Barton Agriculture Research Center, a teaching and demonstration farm, provides the capability of removing excess water and later irrigating the subsoil when soil conditions warrant.  Validation of the GLYCIM growth model will provide useful information to producers with irrigated cropping systems.