Calibration Validation and Evaluation of CERES Maize Model under Temperate Conditions of Kashmir, Using DSSAT 4.7

Field experiments were conducted at Shalimar Campus of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir during 2015 and 2016 to study the growth and yield of maize at different planting dates and Nitrogen levels with further simulating Maize growth and yield at different agro-ecological zones (altitudes) of Kashmir valley at fixed dates with varied nitrogen levels and at fixed nitrogen level with varied dates of sowing. Experiment was laid in split plot design with three dates of sowing i.e. 22nd May, 30th May and 8th June assigned to main plot and four levels of nitrogen i.e. 80 kg N ha-1 (N1), 120 kg N ha-1(N2), 160 kg N ha-1 (N3) and 200 kg N ha-1 assigned to sub plot. Genetic coefficients of maize crop variety (Shalimar Maize composite-4) were generated for calibrated and validation of CERES Maize model using DSSAT 4.5. Simulation was carried out for different dates of sowing viz, 1st May, 10th May, 22nd May, 30th May, 8th June, 20th June and 30th June at same fertility levels of 160 kg N ha-1, 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 and 30 kg K2O ha-1 for all the locations. Simulated studies carried at different locations indicated that sowing of Maize on 30th May (D2) with 200 kg N ha-1 (N4) predicted highest grain yield in location Kokernag which was followed by location Srinagar on same date 30th May (D2) with 160 kg N ha-1(N3) and lowest yield was recorded in district Kupwara. Maximum Biological yield was also recorded at 30th May with 160 kg N ha-1 (N3). Among the district Kokernag recorded maximum biological yield with delayed maturity (160 days) simulation studies were carried out with 7 dates of sowing at fixed level of Nitrogen in all the districts. Simulated studies of maize showed that sowing on 30th May with 160 kg N ha-1 (N3) recorded maximum LAI, Biological yield and grain yield. However, highest grain yield was recorded with location Kokernag and lowest was recorded with location Kupwara.