Modeling the Growth of Bioenergy Crops Using DSSAT.

Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) is a widely used computer software program to simulate crop growth and development. DSSAT model combines the effect of the crop phenotype, soil properties, weather data, and management options. The objective of the study was to develop a simulated growth and development model for newly developed, second generation energycane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) genotypes and energy sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] varieties in the arid subtropical region. The study was conducted in Chillicothe, Texas, on an Abilene clay loam during 2015 and 2016. Plant growth, development, crop management and weather data were collected every two weeks. In addition, destructive leaf area and biomass data were collected every month during the growing season. DSSAT software does not include the growth models for energy cane and energy sorghum. This study works on adapting existing growth models of sugarcane and sorghum crops using the field data. The study results and the discussion will be presented at the time of poster presentation.

Keywords: Lignocellulosic feedstocks, Bioenergy crop, Crop modeling, DSSAT