Agroclimatic modeling for the simulation of phenology,yield and quality of crop production

This paper describes the development of basic simulation concepts that can be used in models aimed at forecasting. The objective is to demonstrate the utility of considering the crop's basic environmental requirements or climatic normals in producing a self-contained comprehensive model. We seek to develop a model in which regularly measured weather data can be used to provide information on the crop performance. Following an abbreviated overview of modeling alternatives, the model design is described. The results of this study are a set of criteria and functions needed to predict the temporal evolution of phenological stages, fruit growth, fruit maturation, and fruit coloration for two varieties of oranges (Navel and Valencia). The major factors considered are the effect of temperature and solar radiation on flowering time, and flowering duration and the number of flowers; the effect of past stress, temperature, evaporation, wind, and rain, planting density, and tree age on fruit set. Given the number of fruits set, growth, maturation and coloration are modeled as responding primarily to temperature and water balance. Possible damage due to freezes is also modeled. These form the basis of a time dependent model (reported elsewhere) which uses daily air temperature and wind data for the prediction of these quantities. These criteria and functions are derived from an extensive body of published observations from many parts of the world, and are selected to be variety specific and independent of local climatology or other site-specific effects.