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Using EPIC to simulate the effects of different irrigation and fertilizer levels on maize yield in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

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  • Choruma, Dennis Junior
  • Balkovic, Juraj
  • Pietsch, Stephan Alexander
  • Odume, Oghenekaro Nelson

Abstract

Growing water scarcity and increasing Nitrogen (N) fertiliser prices in South Africa require more prudent N fertiliser and irrigation water use approaches. If the goal of sustainable agricultural intensification is to be realised, it is vital to develop location-specific agricultural land management strategies that promote increased crop productivity while minimising negative environmental impacts. In this study, a calibrated and validated Environmental Policy Integrated Climate (EPIC) model was used to simulate a range of N fertiliser and irrigation water levels on maize (Zea mays L.) yield in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Results showed that a fertiliser and irrigation water management schedule combining approximately 200 kg N ha-1 and 580 mm irrigation water per maize growing season provided the highest average maize yield of 12.2 Mg ha-1 (an increase of +69% above farmers’ current maize yield levels). Nitrogen fertiliser application levels greater than 160 kg N ha-1 resulted in potential N fertiliser leaching losses of more than 35 kg N ha-1. The EPIC model can be considered a valuable tool to aid decision-makers in identifying optimal, site-specific irrigation water and N fertiliser application levels that contribute to increased maize crop productivity while maximising water use.

Suggested Citation

  • Choruma, Dennis Junior & Balkovic, Juraj & Pietsch, Stephan Alexander & Odume, Oghenekaro Nelson, 2021. "Using EPIC to simulate the effects of different irrigation and fertilizer levels on maize yield in the Eastern Cape, South Africa," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 254(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:agiwat:v:254:y:2021:i:c:s0378377421002390
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2021.106974
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