Solar radiation effects on maize yield, Zea mays L., values simulated by CERES-Maize model

Abstract

Data used in this work were simulated by CERES-Maize model, included in DSSAT 3.0 version software. Research with BR-201-Embrapa maize cultivar was undertaken in Janaúba, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Simulation was effected for sowing on the 15^th May, with climatic data comprising the 1977-1995 period, without water stress. The relationship between solar radiation and simulated crop yield during years with lower and higher crop yield was investigated. It included also two years in which productivity was very similar. Solar radiation value affected the simulated crop yield by CERES-Maize model. The years of high and low yields were compared and both were affected by the distribution of radiation during the crop cycle. However, difference in solar radiation from the flowering period till physiological maturity determined yield differences. 1979 and 1994 yields were similar. Average solar global radiation during the crop cycle in 1994 was higher than that of the 1979 one. Low temperature during the latter increased the crop cycle by 10 days