Our study of crop modeling is deepening our understanding of the process of transpiration by linking stomatal conductance to canopy energy transfers for field crops. Additionally, we are identifying options for improving cropping system productivity by using the DSSAT-Cropping System Models under various scenarios of water/fertility management and crop rotations. This study is helping us to characterize water use patterns of major field crops, such as corn, cotton, wheat, and sesame, by measuring and modeling root zone processes that govern water movement and transfer under field conditions and develop optimal irrigation scheduling tool for field crops considering rainfall uncertainty.
Field measurements of soil water content, plant canopy temperature and net radiation help us develop irrigation scheduling models for increasing crop water use efficiency.
