An improved WHCrop-Humid model for simulating crop growth in seasonally arid, shallow groundwater regions of Southwest China

• Published in: Guanʻgai paishui xuebao Vol. 44; no. 8; pp. 20 - 32
• Main Authors: XING Jiacheng, HE Liuyue, XUE Jingyuan, LI Jun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Chinese
• Published: Science Press 01.08.2025
• Subjects: model; groundwater; southwest china; whcrop-humid; seasonal arid; water productivity
• ISSN: 1672-3317
• DOI: 10.13522/j.cnki.ggps.2024269

【Objective】Global population growth and increasing water scarcity pose significant challenges to food security, particularly in arid regions that rely on groundwater for irrigation. Crop models offer a valuable tool to understand crop-environment interactions, optimize water use and support agricultural decision-making. This study proposes an improved WHCrop-Humid model to simulate water use and yield of crops in regions characterized by shallow groundwater and seasonal aridity in Southwest China.【Method】The model was improved by integrating modules for water exchange between vadose zone and groundwater, surface runoff, and root development. These additions improved the representation of the influence of groundwater, surface water and environmental changes (light, temperature, and soil moisture) on crop growth. The model was calibrated and validated using maize growth data measured from 2005 to 2007 at three experimental stations in Yanting, Sichuan Province.【Result】 The improved WHCrop-Humid model accurately