Simulating the water productivity of sweet corn crop by aquacrop model

India faces a water crisis, threatening agricultural productivity. This study investigates water management strategies for sweet corn cultivation using the AquaCrop model. This study utilizes the AquaCrop model to simulate the response of sweet corn crops to various irrigation and fertigation strategies, including surface drip irrigation (SDI) with and without mulches. Calibration and validation of the model were conducted for specific treatments, and model efficiency was assessed using performance parameters such as the Nash-Sutcliffe model efficiency coefficient (NSE), Pearson Correlation Coefficient (r), and Willmott’s index of agreement (d). The model accurately simulated yield attributes under different management options, showing higher performance during calibration than validation. Furthermore, the study evaluates the impact of climate change on sweet corn crop yield and water productivity using future climate predictions. It was found that the yield is projected to increase with rising temperatures and CO2 levels. By 2050-51, the yield is estimated to increase to 24.112 tons/ha (+4.29% compared to present), and by 2099-2100, it is projected to further increase to 24.278 tons/ha (+5.01% compared to present). Notably, the simulated sweet corn yield exhibited an increase despite the projected rise in temperature inputs in the future. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the warmer climate anticipated in the future will likely necessitate an increase in crop water requirements. Nevertheless, the adverse effects of elevated temperatures in the future may potentially be mitigated by an increase in carbon dioxide levels.