Evaluation of Maize Response to Less Irrigation Management Using SWAP Model

This study was conducted to evaluate the response of hybrid varieties of maize (single cross 260) under drip irrigation treatments in the Fars province in 2012 and 2013 at the Experimental Field of Islamic Azad University of Shiraz. Irrigation levels were 20, 40, 60 and 80% deplection of moisture contents and experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design. The triats measured were leaf area index, dry matter yield and total biomass in 2012 and the measurements were repeated in 2013 to validate the use of SWAP model. The results showed that simulated yield changes by the use of model, at different levels of irrigation levels in the farm, corresponded with the yield changes in the field. Statistical indices including correlation coefficient (greater than 0.9), t-test (greater than 0.05), the root mean square error and normalized root mean square error (RMSEn) equal to 1.9-6.9, indicate good performance for grain yield and total biomass by using the SWAP model.