Parameterization and Evaluation of SSM_iCrop Model for Prediction of Growth and Development of Faba Bean in Climatic Conditions of Gorgan

The present study was conducted to parameterize the SSM_iCrop model and evaluate the prediction of growth and development of faba bean in Gorgan climate condition. This study was carried out on faba bean cv."Barkat" as split-plot in randomized complete block design with four replications at Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources in 2015-2016. The experimental factors consisted of planting date (27 November, 25 December and 31 January) and plant density (5, 15, 25 and 35 plants/m2). The parameters of phonological stages, leaf expansion and senescence, production and distribution of dry matter and water balance were estimated using the present data experiment and other data. The results of model evaluation showed that, it can well predict, days to flowering (RMSE = 3.8 and CV =4.1), days to maturity (RMSE = 11.9 and CV= 8.1), node number on main stem (RMSE = 1.7 and CV = 10.0), leaf area index (RMSE =0.8 CV =28.8), biological yield (RMSE = 158.5 and CV =21.6) and seed yield (RMSE = 118.6 and CV = 24.7). Therefore, the SSM_iCrop model can be used to evaluate the agronomic management and analyze the growth and yield of faba bean in Gorgan conditions.