Evaluating InfoCrop model at mustard (Brassica juncea) crop field for multistage yield estimation

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at research farm of Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during Rabi 2016-17 and 2017-18. Three varieties of mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern and Coss] RH-406, P. Tarak and Girraj were sown on three different dates for generating different weather conditions during different growth stages. InfoCrop-mustard model was calibrated from the observation taken from rabi 2016-17 sown mustard crop of same variety under same treatment. Model validation was done from the observation taken during Rabi 2017-18 sown crops under similar treatments. Simulation of phenology, LAI, biomass and seed yield was done by the InfoCrop-mustard model for RH-406, P. Tarak and Girraj cultivar of mustard sown at IARI, New Delhi research farm. Simulation of LAI, biomass and seed yield was done by the InfoCrop-mustard for RH-406 and Girraj cultivar of mustard in the farmer's field. Biomass and seed yield estimation was done by InfoCrop-mustard model for rabi 2017-18 crops at anthesis and at pod formation stage. Results showed that Infocrop-mustard model could able to simulate growth, development and yield of mustard crop. The mustard biomass and yield estimation done by the InfoCrop at pod formation stage had more promising results than at anthesis stage. We conclude that InfoCrop-mustard model satisfactorily simulate the growth, development and yield of mustard crop at farmer's field, and hence can be applied for agricultural applications for farmer's field and multistage mustard yield estimation.