Simulating lupin development, growth, and yield in a Mediterranean environment

Abstract

Simulation of narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) production would be a useful tool for assessing agronomic and management options for the crop. This paper reports on the development and testing of a model of lupin development and growth, designed for use in the cropping systems simulator, APSIM (Agricultural Production Systems Simulator). Parameters describing leaf area expansion, phenology, radiation interception, biomass accumulation and partitioning, water use, and nitrogen accumulation were obtained from the literature or derived from field experiments. The model was developed and tested using data from experiments including different locations, cultivars, sowing dates, soil types, and water supplies. Flowering dates ranged from 71 to 109 days after sowing and were predicted by the model with a root mean square deviation (RMSD) of 4–5 days. Observed grain yields ranged from 0.5 to 2.7 t/ha and were simulated by the model with a RMSD of 0.5 t/ha. Simulation of a waterlogging effect on photosynthesis improved the model performance for leaf area index (LAI), biomass, and yield. The effect of variable rainfall in Western Australia and sowing date on yield was analysed using the model and historical weather data. Yield reductions were found with delay in sowing, particularly in water-limited environments. The model can be used for assessing some agronomic and management options and quantifying potential yields for specific locations, soil types, and sowing dates in Western Australia.