Optimizing irrigation schedule improves water use efficiency of maize and wheat

The efficient management of water resources is critical for sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. This study aims to assess crop yield and water use efficiency (WUE) for maize and wheat in Northern China, with a focus on irrigation management, using the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM). APSIM, a widely used crop modeling tool, provides a robust framework for simulating crop growth, yield, and water consumption under different climatic and management scenarios.

Our research integrates historical climate data and crop management practices to evaluate how irrigation strategies influence crop water consumption and yield in the region. By simulating different irrigation regimes, including deficit and full irrigation, we explore their impacts on crop water use efficiency (WUE) and overall yield. The results indicate that optimal irrigation scheduling can significantly enhance water use efficiency, reducing water consumption while maintaining crop productivity. Moreover, the model highlights the sensitivity of crop yield to varying water availability, demonstrating the importance of timely and appropriate irrigation interventions.

The study underscores how crop water consumption can be better managed to enhance WUE and achieve sustainable agricultural production. Future research will focus on refining the model to account for the effects of soil salinity and other environmental factors, further enhancing its applicability for water resource management in arid regions.