Abstract
A simulation model of alfalfa growth, ALF2LP derived from ALSIM 1 (LEVEL 2), was evaluated in the region of Québec, Canada. This evaluation involved three major steps: sensitivity analyses, calibration, and then validation of the model. A number of parameters; namely, the maximum relative growth rates, the specific leaf area, and the number of growing degree-days at flowering, were modified to evaluate the sensitivity of output values of leaf and stem dry matter yields. The more sensitive parameters were modified to calibrate the model with the field observations obtained in the summer of 1984 on leaf, stem, and total dry matter yield. The best fit was obtained by adjusting the specific leaf area, the maximum relative leaf growth rate, and the initial dry weight of basal buds. Equations to predict crude protein fraction and crude fiber fraction were also modified according to results obtained in 1984. The calibrated model was validated with observations on Alfa and Vernal alfalfa cultivars for years 1972 to 1974. The validation revealed that ALF2LP accurately simulates the total dry matter yield and the crude fiber percentage; predictions of the crude protein percentage were less precise.
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