Using Cropping Systems Models to Extend Field Research Results in Time and Space.

Field research at Akron, CO has generated field observations of crop water use, biomass, leaf area index, growth stage, and yield for a variety of crops grown in dryland and irrigated conditions over the past 33 years. These data have been used to calibrate and validate the Root Zone Water Quality Model. RZWQM has been used to extend the field observations to longer periods of time and to other locations in the Great Plains. Examples include evaluating potential dryland cropping systems; potential for canola production; evaluating limited irrigation, nitrogen management, and planting date strategies; and evaluating water stress effects on crop yield.