STICS: a generic model for the simulation of crops and their water and nitrogen balances. I. Theory and parameterization applied to wheat and corn

Abstract

-STICS (Simulateur mulTJdiscplinaire pour les Cultures Standard) is a crop model constructed as a simulation tool capable of working under agricultural conditions. Outputs comprise the production (amount and quality) and the environment. Inputs take into account the climate, the soi1 and the cropping system. STICS is presented as a model exhibiting the following qualities: robustness, an easy access to inputs and an uncomplicated f~~t u r e evolution thanks to a modular (easy adaptation to various types of plant) nature and generic. However, STICS is not an entirely new model since most parts use classic formalisms or stem from existing models. The main simulated processes are the growth, the development of the crop and the water and nitrogenous balance of the soil-crop system. The seven modules of STICSdevelopment, shoot growth, yield components, root growth, water balance, thermal environment and nitrogen balanceare presented in tum with a discussion about the theoretical choices in comparison to other models. These choices should render the model capable of exhibiting the announced qualities in classic environmental contexts. However, because some processes (e.g. ammoniac volatilization, clrought resistance, etc.) are not taken into account, the use of STICS is presently limited to several cropping systems. (

The Effect of Crop Residues on Soil Nitrogen Dynamics and Wheat Yield

“…Although the C:N ratio has long been known to be a major factor in controlling the rate from which N is released from crop residues [1,35], in the present study, mineralized soil N was poorly correlated with the residue's C:N ratio (r = 0.05). Models that simulate agronomic scenarios [36][37][38] often describe the biochemical quality of crop residues only by their relative C to N contents (C:N ratio). Indeed, the most common criterion of quality used to predict mass loss or N mineralization during the decomposition of crop residues is the C:N ratio of the plant material [39].…”

Modelling soybean yield responses to seeding date under projected climate change scenarios

“…STICS is a dynamic soil-crop simulation model (Brisson et al 2003). It was initially parameterized and evaluated for bare soil, winter wheat, and corn crops (Brisson et al 1998). It has been adapted for other crops such as rapeseed, sunflower, soybean, flax, tomato, sorghum, lettuce, mustard, sugar beet, and potato (Brisson et al 2003).…”

Assessing and modeling economic and environmental impact of wheat nitrogen management in Belgium

“…The remaining parameters of the species were fixed at the suggested default values (Brisson et al, 1998). To correctly simulate the stresses induced by climatic conditions and to calculate the potential and the actual evapotranspiration, the resistive approach proposed by Shuttleworth and Wallace (Shuttleworth and Wallace, 1985) was preferred to the empirical Penman approach (Penman, 1948), both options being available in the STICS model.…”