Flexibilité dans le choix de la fréquence de fauche et de la variété pour optimiser le rendement et la qualité de la luzerne. Modélisation et expérimentation

National audienc

Simulation using the STICS model of C&N dynamics in alfalfa from sowing to crop destruction

International audienceWe adapted the STICS agro-environmental model to simulate the effects of cultivation practices on the biomass production and nitrogen accumulation of perennial crops undergoing regular defoliation, using alfalfa as an example. A unique set of parameters was used to simulate both establishment and regrowth phases over several years, with the assumption that crop growth is driven by interaction between crop development stage and abiotic stresses. The model accurately simulated the total biomass (stems + leaves + crown + taproot + roots) and aboveground biomass of the crop, with model efficiencies of 0.75 and 0.70, respectively, and relative root mean squared errors (rRMSE) of 42% and 36%, respectively. The evaluation results were also satisfactory with respect to total nitrogen content and the aboveground biomass nitrogen content, with model efficiencies of 0.90 and 0.60, respectively, and rRMSE values of 29% and 31%, respectively. The model thus enabled simulations of both the establishment and regrowth of alfalfa and accurately reproduced its seasonal patterns of growth, even though it tended to underestimate spring biomass production. It also produced accurate simulations of the water and nitrate contents of the soil during cropping and after crop destruction. It could therefore be a useful tool regarding the multi-criteria assessment of cropping systems based on alfalfa with respect to their sustainability

Long-term modelling of soil N mineralization and N fate using STICS in a 34-year crop rotation experiment

International audienceNet soil N mineralization is a driver for N uptake and N losses at an annual scale, but is itself dependent on long-term N surplus and C-N storage in agricultural systems. The accurate modelling of N mineralization remains challenging. Thus, the STICS research version V1610 that includes modified soil organic nitrogen (SON) mineralization and root biomass turnover modules was assessed in this study regarding its predictions of net N mineralization and long-term N fate in a 34-year experiment comparing crop rotations with or without catch crops (CC) and bare soil. The in situ gross balance method was used as a reference to estimate net N mineralization based on measured N variables (i.e. N uptake, exported N and N leaching). The Index of Agreement (IA) of STICS predictions concerning crop biomass, crop yield, N uptake and exported N ranged between 0.61 and 0.76, 0.79-0.89, 0.49-0.64 and 0.47-0.58, respectively, depending on the crop rotations. STICS also enabled a good simulation of annual drainage and N leaching with IA ranges of 0.92-0.96 and 0.78-0.93, but high leaching values were not captured by the model. The STICS research version simulates the decay of deep roots (below a depth of 25 cm) but it neglects their decomposition. This simplification could cause an underestimation of N leaching. The observed N surplus ranged from 27 to 51 kg N ha(-1) yr(-1) in the cropped rotations depending on the crop rotations, and the N surplus was accurately simulated with an IA of 0.75-0.84. STICS produced a good prediction of changes in SON stocks under cropped rotations and bare soil, with both the rRMSE and rMBE being lower than 10%. Estimated mean annual N mineralization was 115 kg N ha(-1) under cropped rotations and 42 kg N ha(-1) under the bare soil treatment. STICS relatively well predicted net N mineralization regarding both differences between crop rotations and over time. Moreover, STICS correctly simulated the long-term effects of CC on drainage, N leaching, SON accumulation and net N mineralization. To conclude, STICS is a useful model to predict net N mineralization and N fate in long-term crop rotations. Moreover, this work raised new questions concerning the long-term fate of N stored in deep dead roots. Further improvements to describe the fate of these residues should enhance the prediction of N leaching by the STICS model and enable the optimization of N management in cropping systems

Do tomorrow’s diversified cropping systems need ley pastures?

International audienc

Conceptual basis, formalisations and parameterization of the STICS crop model, second edition

National audienc