EVALUATION OF MAIZE WATER PRODUCTIVITY BY FAO-AQUACROP MODEL USING INTEGRATION OF MULCHING, NITROGEN FERTILIZATION AND IRRIGATION IN SALINE AND NON-SALINE SOILS

Abstract

: The AquaCrop model (version 5) was validated using data from two field experiments carried out during the summer seasons of 2019 and 2020 in the North Delta (Sakha and El-Hamoul Districts). To research the impact of deficit irrigation, nitrogen fertilization and soil mulching on the productivity of maize water. Then, using such results, the AquaCrop model was validated by various statistical indicators such as determination coefficient(R 2 ), normalized root means square error (NRMSE), degree of agreement (D) and efficiency (E). Results showed that under different irrigation regimes, nitrogen fertilization levels and mulching application in the North Delta, AquaCrop software was able to simulate well the crop water productivity (WP). Where R2, NRMSE, D and E were respectively0.88,0.36, 0.98 and 0.99 percent under non-saline soil conditions (Sakha location) values. While, under saline soil conditions, such values were 0.85, 16.5, 0.62 and 0.87 % for R 2 , NRMSE, D and E respectively. Data also, showed that, under non saline soil, the highest value of WP was obtained by irrigation at 40 days after post planting irrigation, then irrigation at 80 % depletion from soil available water, non-limiting nitrogen fertilization and using plastic mulching. While, under saline soil conditions, irrigation at 30 days after post planting irrigation, then irrigation at 60 % depletion from soil available water, near optimal nitrogen fertilization and plastic mulching gave the best value of WP.