Variety-specific sugarcane yield simulations and climate change impacts on sugarcane yield using DSSAT-CSM-CANEGRO model

Crop simulation models are still little used for sugarcane crops due to the lack of understanding of their capabilities and experience in calibration as compared to other crops. Realistic assessment of future environmental change effects on crop production is also necessary for successful agricultural management and planning. The objective of this study is to provide DSSAT-CANEGRO simulated variety-wise sugarcane yield models for twelve different locations of Muzaffarnagar District of India. The CANEGRO model calibration is performed under three different dates of planting (early, mid, late) during the spring season 2013-2014. The results of the models are validated for consecutive two years datasets (2014-15 and 2015-16). The model shows the best calibration and validation results under the mid planting date scenario (simulated yield +0.85 %, +2.80 % and +5.20 %). The impact of climate change (sensitivity analysis) on yield of sugarcane has also been made putting different values of Tmax ( +/- 1 to +/- 3 degrees C), Tmin ( +/- 1 to +/- 3 degrees C), solar radiation ( +/- 1 to +/- 3 MJ/m(2)/day), and atmospheric CO2 concentration of 380 ppm (720 ppm scenario A2, 500 ppm scenario B2). The study highlighted that Sugarcane yield simulation mid-planting model presenting the highest R (0.81, 0.83), and D (0.88, 0.91), and the lowest errors (RMSE = 8.37 q ha(-1), 10.70 q ha(-1) and MAPE = 1.10 %, 1.30 %) for the years 2014-15 and 2015-16 as compared to the other two models. The CANEGRO model simulated yield under incremental values of Tmax and Tmin in the range of (+1 to +3 degrees C) shows gradual decrement in the yield ranges while, gradual increment of solar radiation from 1 to 3 MJ/m(2)/day showed a yield increment.

Automated summary

This study aims to provide sugarcane yield models for twelve different locations in Muzaffarnagar District, India. The study found that the model performed best under the mid planting date scenario, and also investigated the impact of climate change on sugarcane yield. The findings suggest that higher temperatures result in decreased yield, while increased solar radiation leads to higher yield.