Evaluation of CERES Maize model under Indian Temperate Conditions

Field experiments were conducted in India at Shalimar Campus of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir during 2015 and 2016 to study the growth and yield of maize at different planting dates and nitrogen levels. Maize was simulated at different agro-ecological zones (altitudes) of Kashmir valley. Further, maize was evaluated at fixed dates with varied nitrogen levels and at fixed nitrogen level with varied dates of sowing. Experiment was laid in split plot design with three dates of sowing, i.e. 22nd May, 30th May and 8th June, assigned to main plot and four levels of nitrogen, i.e. 80 kg N ha-1 (N1), 120 kg N ha-1(N2), 160 kg N ha-1 (N3) and 200 kg N ha-1, assigned to sub plot. Genetic coefficients of maize crop variety (Shalimar Maize composite-4) were generated, calibrated and validated in CERES Maize model using DSSAT 4.5. Simulated studies carried atdifferent locations indicated that sowing of Maize on 30th May (D2) with 200 kg N ha-1 (N4) predicted highest grain yield in location Kokernag which was followed by location Srinagar on same date 30th May (D2) with 160 kg N ha-1(N3) and lowest yield was recorded in district Kupwara. Maximum Biological yield was also recorded at 30th May with 160 kg N ha-1 (N3). Among the district Kokernag recorded maximum biological yield with delayed maturity (160 days) simulation studies were carried out with 7 dates of sowing at fixed level of Nitrogen in all the districts. Simulated studies of maize showed that sowing on 30th May with 160 kg N ha-1 (N3) recorded maximumLeaf Area Index Biological yield and grain yield. However, highest grain yield was recorded at location Kokernag and lowest was recorded at location Kupwara