The Matter of Pedotransfer Function and Soil Layer Depth In Simulation of Water Balance.

In crop simulation models, pedotransfer functions are often used for conversion between soil water potential and water content. Because pedotransfer functions are texture-specific and sensitive to soil mineralogical properties, those that are derived using one texture classification system (e.g., FAO system) may not be totally suitable to cases that use a different soil texture classification (e.g., USDA system). Similar concerns can be raised when similar soil textures differ significantly in their mineralogical properties. In addition, choice of pedotransfer functions is also related to choice of soil layer depth through profile. We attempt to examine the choices of pedotransfer function and soil layer depth and their consequences for simulation of soil water dynamics of a corn field throughout a growing season using the Hybrid-Maize model as a platform.