Simulating the effects of changing planting date towards rice production in MADA area, Malaysia

The effect of changing the planting date on rice production was simulated by using Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT 4.5) software for both off-season and main season in the area of MADA under expected climate change. Daily weather data on maximum and minimum temperature, solar radiation and rainfall up to year 2060 were obtained from the Malaysian Meteorological Services which are generated from climate model i.e. Providing Regional Climate for Impacts Studies (PRECIS). Simulations using DSSAT 4.5 were then carried out to predict yield production under forecasted weather conditions to analyse the impact of weather trends on yield. Results showed that averaged seasonal daily solar radiation and seasonal total rainfall have the most significant impact on annual yield production. DSSAT 4.5 was applied again to simulate future rice production grown in MADA area for offseason and main season under five different planting dates. Results show that generally for the main season, shifting planting date increased rice productions whereas for the off-season, rice production decreased when planting date shifted. This can be identified as a non-cost climate change adaptation strategy for rice cultivation in MADA area. Keywords: rice production; DSSAT 4.5; planting date; climate change adaptation; PRECIS