Saltmed Model Performance for Quinoa Irrigated with Fresh and Saline Water in a Mediterranean Environment

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Abstract
The SALTMED model performance was evaluated by comparing the simulated and measured soil water content, biomass and grain yield data of quinoa grown in a Mediterranean climate under various irrigation regimes using fresh and saline water of different qualities. The data from a two‐year field study (2010–2012) were used for this purpose. Six different treatments consisted of full irrigation with fresh and saline water with salinity levels of ECw 10, 20 and 30 dS m‐1, and deficit irrigation with fresh water applied at 50 and 75% of full irrigation and rainfed treatment were considered. Quinoa irrigated with saline water of 30 dS m‐1 resulted in significant grain yield reduction in 2010, but slightly reduced with water salinity level ranging from 10 to 30 dS m‐1 in comparison to fresh water in 2012. However, deficit irrigation with fresh water reduced plant dry matter yields considerably. The results of calibration and validation of the model showed that the SALTMED model can simulate soil water content, dry matter and grain yield of quinoa with high accuracy under various watering regimes using fresh and saline water of different qualities. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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