Predicting sugarcane yield under different farm management using Aqua Crop model (Case study: Salman Farsi Agro-industry)

Khuzestan plain has a high potential for sugarcane production due to its extremely high solar energy and fertile sedimentary soil. Sugarcane is a perennial plant with a long growth period and high water requirement. Therefore, proper irrigation management with the aim of saving water consumption and increasing sugarcane yield is of particular importance. On the other hand, plant growth modeling is an important tool in evaluating the effects of field management on crop yield and, consequently, decision-making for appropriate management methods. In this study, the yield of sugarcane in a 25-hectare farm of Salman Farsi agro-industry in Khuzestan province in different state of farm management was investigated. Also, using the measured data, the Aqua crop model was calibrated and using it, eighteen management scenarios (including three 0, 80 and 100% mulch modes, two surface and subsurface drip irrigation methods and three fertilizer levels of 300, 350 and 400 kg/ha) were implemented for the farm and the results calculated. The results showed that increasing fertilizer consumption by 50 kg/ha causes an increase of approximately 2.5 tons of crop per hectare. The use of drip irrigation on average 1.5 tons per hectare increases crop yield compared to surface irrigation and also the use of mulch coating by 80% increases the yield by 3.5 tons per hectare. Finally, based on the results of this study, the highest yield is related to the drip irrigation scenario with 80% mulch coverage and 400 kg /ha fertilizer. By applying these conditions, biomass production will increase by 8.6 tons per hectare and it is suggested to use this method in sugarcane fields of Khuzestan province.