Validation and sensitivity analysis of InfoCrop simulation model for growth and yield of Indian mustard varieties at Allahabad

Field experiment was carried out at SHUATS, Allahabad, to study validation and sensitivity analysis of InfoCrop model with the data sets generated respectively during Rabi season of 2016-17. The main plot treatments and sub-plot treatment consisted three dates of sowing and cultivars (D1-25th October, D2-5th November and D3-15th November) and (V1- Parasmani, V2- Varuna and V3- SRM 777) using split plot design. The results revealed that simulation of growth and yield parameters were compared with observed data and results concluded that the model overestimates all the parameters within the acceptable range (<15%) with significant accuracy. Sensitivity analysis results indicated that increased in maximum and minimum temperature (1 ºC above and below); increase in rainfall 10 to 20 percent; elevated CO2 from 390 to 490 ppm shows significant increase in seed yield but after beyond it adversely affect seed yield. Therefore, the validated InfoCrop can be used for prediction of phenology, estimates potential yield and it provide management option in resilience towards changing climatic conditions.