Calibration and Validation of CERES-Maize Model for Hybrid Maize under Variable Plant Densities and Nitrogen Levels in Southern Telangana Zone of Telangana State, India

CERES-Maizemodel (DSSAT v 4.5) was calibrated and validated for maize hybrid (cv Dekalb Super 900M) using experimental data obtained from different dates of sowing and nitrogen levels (7-July, 21-July, 6-August and 22 August in 2009 and 18 June, 02 July, 17 July and 02 August in 2010 and 0 kg ha⁻¹ control; 100 kg ha⁻¹; 200 kg ha⁻¹; 300 kg ha⁻¹ and 400 kg ha⁻¹) at Agricultural Research Institute, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India. Calibration analysis revealed that the model provided satisfactory estimates for the phenology, grain yield and total biomasswith RMSE of 0.87 days, 363 and 412 kg ha⁻¹, respectively. Calibrated model used for further validation with experimental data and found that, simulation of phenology and physiological maturity wasconsidered as excellent with NRMSE value being less than 10%. Whereas, simulation of LAI, number of grains per cob, grains m⁻², grain yield and stover yield was considered as good with simulation values ranging in between 10.1 to 20%. But the simulation of nitrogen content of biomass was poor as the simulation of total biomass was poor as the NRMSE value is more than 20.1%. So validated CERES-Maize model can be used as a research tool under irrigated conditions up to 21^st July sowings to take strategic decision for improving maize production in different agro climatic zones of Telangana State.