Azodyn: a simple model simulating the date of nitrogen deficiency for decision support in wheat fertilization

• Published in: European journal of agronomy 1999-03, Vol.10 (2), p.129-144
• Main Authors: Jeuffroy, M.-H., Recous, S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: ABONOS NITROGENADOS; Agricultural sciences; Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; APLICACION DE ABONOS; Azodyn; AZOTE; BESOIN NUTRITIONNEL; Biological and medical sciences; CARENCE MINERALE; DECISION MAKING; DEFICIENCIA DE MINERALES; ENGRAIS AZOTE; FERTILISATION; Fertilization; FERTILIZER APPLICATION; FRANCE; FRANCIA; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General agronomy. Plant production; Life Sciences; MINERAL DEFICIENCIES; MODELE DE SIMULATION; MODELOS DE SIMULACION; N balance method; NECESIDADES DE NUTRIENTES; NITROGEN; Nitrogen fertilization; NITROGEN FERTILIZERS; Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium fertilizations; NITROGENO; NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS; Plant N requirement; PRISE DE DECISION; SIMULATION MODELS; Soil N supply; Soil-plant relationships. Soil fertility. Fertilization. Amendments; TOMA DE DECISIONES; TRITICUM AESTIVUM
• ISSN: 1161-0301; 1873-7331
• DOI: 10.1016/S1161-0301(98)00059-8

A dynamic soil–crop model was developed to predict the date on which N deficiency occurs for winter wheat crops in the temperate climate of Northwest Europe. It is based on the daily simulation of soil N supply and crop N requirement for the period during which N-fertilizer is usually applied to wheat crops, the end of winter until flowering. The soil sub-model was derived from the `balance-sheet method' used in France for nitrogen fertilization recommendations. It describes the net mineralization of various sources of organic matter (soil humus, crop residues, organic products). The crop sub-model simulates crop biomass production and its nitrogen content using a radiation use efficiency model and a critical dilution curve for nitrogen content. Both soil and crop sub-models require few parameters and inputs, most of which are readily available on commercial farms, together with daily climatic data. The model tested with various rates and timings of N application in three experiments accurately simulated the date on which nitrogen deficiency began in wheat crops. The interest in using the model for tactical and strategic approaches is discussed.